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| The group photo. |
The legendary department of English, Bahauddin Zakria university, Multan was established in 1975. During these thirty eight years, this institute raised innumerable renowned educationists, writers, journalists, CCS officers, entrepreneurs, etc. The degree awarded by this department is acknowledged world over. And their scholars, considered of highest regard.
But, not much of an effort was made, to bring them together on one platform. Although, few re-unions were conducted, during these four decades but no organization was formed to link the current students of the department with the old ones. Finally, facebook provided all of the alumni to get in contact with the new students. Department of English, BZU- Alumni/staff/students, is the official group page to represent O'Dell.
An informal get together was arranged last year, at the office of permanent faculty member, Ramna Fayyaz , when one cherished alumni, Muhammed Khalid Shabbir Leghari, arrived with family to meet few others, who were there from abroad (like him). Few of the locals also joined in. And they planned another meeting in 2013, under supervision of the department of English, BZU.
Things were going strong. Preparations were being made for a formal re-union. When suddenly, the party was called off, by the (then) head of department. Which caused a great deal of disappointment. Specially to those, who lived abroad and were all set to revisit the corridors of their memories and rejoin their friends. Most important of them all, Mr. Mustafa Kamal, who was in Multan, all the way from UK. Also, Mr. Asif Ansari and Mr. Ashfaq-ur-Rehman. So, it was decided to carry out, an informal get together, instead of a formal one, at the rquest of Mr. Hassan Muhammad.
Ramna Fayyaz was dragged in, from the formal to informal party because of being a well loved figure. The lady is highly admired as a teacher, greatly respected by her colleagues, well appreciated by alumni and all. Together, with a former visiting faculty member, Fariha Munir, they decided to host a high-tea, at Ramada on 31st March 2013. The invitation was extended on the new department group page at facebook .'Whispers' the restaurant, next to hi-tea area, at Ramada was booked for the purpose. Each individual, had to pay for oneself.
When the D-day arrived, a good number of old and new students turned out. Taking advantage of the event, the formation of an organization to carry out such re-unions in future, was suggested. The idea was immediately approved by the gathering. And on the spot, by the suggestions of all the present there. The name was selected. OADELL, for 'organization of alumni of department of English language and literature. Which will be called O'Dell, in short.
In order to make the date of first reunion memorable, it was finalized as a permanent date for holding an annual celebration of O'Dell. So, all the future functions will be arranged on the same date.
Each session was suggested to nominate, one or two representatives, who must collect, and keep the organization updated about the complete details and information of their session fellows.
Few positions were created and responsibilities distributed for a lifetime. These positions are permanent, for the pioneer/founder members.
President O'DELL:Mustafa Kamal
Vice-president: Hassan Muhammad
Joint secretary: Muhammed Khalid Shabbir Leghari,
Co-ordinator/ treasurer: Ramna Fayyaz,
Representative for the session 1992-94: Shazia Arshad
Chairperson O'DELL: Fariha Munir Shah
More spaces will be created on annual basis to bring in new blood and new people. But to keep the things undisputed and for smooth functioning, this permanent set-up was created.
The organization will always look forward to the department of English for official patronage. Therefore, it was also requested that the department of English, must formally endorse it. The faculty members will remain a part of it as 'patrons' and the H.O.D, the chief patron.
The event was a great milestone in the history of the department. We wish, best of luck to the organization and the pioneer members. And look forward to much bigger, events taking place every 31st March.
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| Shazia Jabeen and Ramna Fayyaz. |
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| Mustafa Kamal, Hassan Muhammad, Rana Akbar Tabish. |
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| Men in suits. |
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| Old friends together. |
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| Haider Gardezi (visiting faculty member) with some of the old students of the department. |
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| Ramna Fayyaz |
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| Zainab Shaukat and other students, with their lovely teacher. |
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| Rana Akbar Tabish, a promising young man, studying at the department, right now. |
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| Girls, having a good time. |
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| The meeting in progress. |
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| All smiles. |
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| Rana Akbar, Asif Ansari, Ashfaq-ur-Rehman, Mustafa Kamal. |
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| Say cheese. |
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| Rana Akbar, Kashif Bhutta, Ashfaq-ur-Rehman. |
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| Shazi Jabeen and Fariha Munir, best friends forever. |
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| Mustafa Kamal, Rana Akbar. |
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| Chit chat among gentlemen. |
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| Hassan Muhammad and Ashfaq-ur-Reahman.. |
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| Haider Gardezi and Ramna with students. |
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| The group photo. |
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| Rana Akbar, Asif Ansari, Ashfaq-ur-Rehamn, Mustafa Kamal. |
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