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| The group photo of the attendees with H.O.D. Dr. Naveed |
It is but natural for the old students (who complete their studies here and pass out) for having a desire to re-connect with their fellow students and to re-visit their institution. For the purpose, different people from this particular department came up with different alumni reunion associations, but nothing lasted. Until one, recently started by Madam Ramna Fayyaz and Fariha Munir. Supported by social media and Facebook groups created by old students, it is going strong and has been able to organize several events over the past few years.
Beginning of the year 2018, brought in, the news of arrival of a very well-admired alumunus, Mr. Khalid Shabbir Leghari, who is a favourite on the social media groups of this department. Interestingly, he remained a movitavating force behind creation of AODELL. As he lives in KSA, somehow, he was unable to attend any the functions organized by them. It stirred up everything. Old students were bent upon arranging something to honour his presence.
Mr. Kamran Ali, who had actively participated in arranging the last reunion. Approached the esteemed faculty members at the department, alongwith Fariha Munir and Angela Simone Sharpe to get it organized at official level, but as it required lots of protocals and lengthy procedures to go through. They learnt, it would atleast take few months to get organized. So, these geniuses, simply took official permission to hold an unofficial reunion. Which the very kind, Head of Department, Dr. Naveed permitted, with the consent of attending the event, alongwith other faculty members, including Madam Saiqa Imtiaz and Madam Qamar Khushi.
Ramada hotel Multan was selected as venue and 19th January was the decided to be the date. As the time was short, the invitation was extended through social media and advertisment in newspapers. Department of English endorsed it, by extending accomodation for old students in the university guest house. The participants were supposed to pay for the accomodation and the hi-tea at Ramada and they did show a good spirit.
Finally the day arrived. Ramada just had, extensive renovations and the place shined like a brand new Lamborghini, with aesthetically placed flowers, plants and decorations. Beauty of the venue, indeed lifted the spirits of the participants. Who were delighted to have Mr. Khalid Shabbir Leghari with them. There happiness knew no bounds when Head of the department, Dr. Naveed showed up, followed by Madam Qamar Khushi and Madam Saiqa Imtiaz.
Fariha Munir, Angela Simone Sharpe and Mr. Kamran Ali welcomed everybody. The organizers had kept the show simple. The ceremony started with presenting bouquets to the honorable faculty members. Angela presented bouquet to Sir Naveed, Kamran Ali to madam Saiqa and Fariha Munir to madam Qamar Khushi. Fariha addressed the gathering and thanked everybody for making the event a success by being there. Then, she passed on the mike to others, so that each participant could introduce himself and reflect upon the past and the present. Which everybody gladly did.
People were too excited to hear from Mr. Khalid Shabbbir. He narrated his own poetry alongwith his lifetime experiences, also shared some jokes from life at BZU campus. Madam Fozai Iqbal, Mr. Javed Iqbal, Mr. Mushtaq Kharral and many other seniors expressed their views at the occasion. Mr. Waqar Khan played the role of the conductor during the show. It was indeed heartening to listen to inumerable success stories, who once remained the part of this prestigious institute. Finally, H.O.D. Dr. Naveed also addressed the gathering. Admired the dedication of the organizers and requested them, to lend a hand to arrange another reunion by the end of the year at the campus premises.
The occasion called for photography. A young talented photographer Soban was invited to cover the event and he did an amazing job. Although, he is a student of dentistry, but he proved himself a master in the art of photography by capturing all the masterpieces featured in this post. He was sweet enough, not to negotiate the charges and humbly accepted whatever this group of literary people had to offer. His work at this event, will always be considered memorable.
At the end, truly scrumptious hi-tea was served. Here, we would like to thank, Madam Saima Faisal, the CEO of Ramada hotel. With her orders an extra ordinary menu was laid out for this gathering, in most economically viable package, alongwith free provision of separate sitting area in Shang's palace. Thanks a lot Saima, for always being so kind and co-operative.
The best part of this reunion was its informal nature. Former students and teachers had no formalities to follow, everybody was relaxed and enjoyed eachother's company. No protocals were needed and it seemed as if nobody wanted to go home, but remain in the serene new ambience of Ramada hotel.
Anyway, even Madam Saiqa and Madam Qamar said, it was one of the most beautiful reunions, they had ever attended, whether formal or informal. Now, let us see, if the department comes up with another one or this remains the only one in 2018.
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The head of department. Dr. Naveed at the reunion, Angela Simone Sharpe presenting him the bouquet
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