The last event of the two days long annual get together, celebrating 41 years of comradeship (1975-2016), at Lahore was the brunch at the Rangers Officers' Mess. Unlike the previous day, the weather spared the organizers to look for the shelter - though the shelter was readily available. The weather wasn't that cool as the sun kept playing hide and seek with the clouds but in a dominating mood. However it allowed us a rollicking time to interact with each other freely, eat and dance on the drum beat of the Rangers' brass band.
By the given time, the lush green lawn of the mess was already full with us while the ladies were perched inside the coolness of the mess. It took us a while for the brunch to commence - enough to exchange pleasantries and snapshots.
Reception by Zahir Khan(above) and meeting other friends (below)
At the brunch tables
When Shirazi introduced his grand daughter Emaan to Brig Riaz and Col Talat Umar as his instructors in PMA, she asked them how was "he" as a student? - what a thoughtful question by this little philosopher!!
Post retirement briefing by Ali Akbar to his ex-boss
Good to see Najib (left) after a long time
With our platoon commander Col Talat Umer, SJ
With our platoon commander Col Talat Umer, SJ
Luddi on the Ranger's band
Jamil with Major Sabih Ul Hassan's participation made us feel the presence of his late father, Javed Baloch all around us. May his soul rest in eternal peace. We certainly missed him a lot at the occasion.
Jamil preserving the moments for life
Course secretary Asif's disposal - always challenging to listen to. But this time Lahore Chapter let him rest completely and absolved him of any responsibility except the accounts
More souvenir receiving photos as shot by son of Maj Kiani:
And before I forget, here are all those who attended Lahore Get Together (though some are missing who were there last night):
60 in all including three guests - a great number indeed
So we thank you finally Zahir Khan and your team for getting this great number together at Lahore and arranging all events despite inclement weather. Arranging such a mega event specially when one is out of uniform and the response from various quarters is lukewarm - or even cold at times, Zahir and his team did a wonderful job by planning, organizing and hosting the get together - spread at three venues and on two days. Those who attended it will cherish the memories of Lahore Get Together 2016 for a long time and those who missed it would remember it through these posts which provide a pictorial coverage of each day.
While the show is over now, I sincerely believe that many more course mates could have made it, specially from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to honour the gesture of the Lahore Chapter to be their hosts. And this would have made the event more participative and wholesome. Those who did not attend would surely miss it..
A much relaxed Zahir Khan and his team after a wonderfully organized and hosted get together
Adios my friends till next year - when we meet on some other lawn at some other place. I pray we do not lose anyone from us as we lost our dear Javed Baloch after last year's gathering at Nathiagali. Stay blessed all and continue to pray for each other.
Related posts:
Lahore Get Together 2016 - An Overview
Lahore Get Together 2016: Fifty Fivers at Wagah Border Flag Lowering Ceremony
Lahore Get Together 2016: Fifty Fivers at Wagah Border Flag Lowering Ceremony
4 comments:
Oh JHB your dedication n brilliance to cover all course events are amazing n great. My morale has bee at the top of the world 12-13 March during the Mega Show, 55th GTG. But after see all your blog's of the GTG, I couldn't stop myself saying, oh Jalal brother you made my trip worth, covering me with friends n enjoying every moment of the event. Thanks for your love n please continue n stay blessed, healthy n happy. A huge aplause n salute to Zahir Khan, Asif, Athar, Abbas, Ali Zai, Sher Zaman, Hafiz. Hope to see those who missed it. My prayers for all my course mates n request to spread Jala's Blog 55pma.blogspot.com n ask them to join n enjoy his Lovely writings n on all topics n ace pictures.
Jalal
It is always a pleasure to read the coverage of the events you do. You are always very thorough and brilliant.I felt as I was there myself. My congratulations on the coverage of this historic event also. Keep it up dear.
Thanks Jalal for covering the final event so beautifully while complementing your commentary pictorially. The Lahore Chapter members feel elated for the kind compliments expressed by the participants of the Get Together. It was a matter of great honour and expression of trust for letting us host the mega event. While we feel satisfied on the succesful conduct of the proceedings, we do apologise for any deficiency observed in the administrative arrangements. We look forward to further fostering of our comradeship through such occasions in years to come. Our special thanks to Asif and JHB for being so supportive all along. Long live the fiftyfiver spirit.
Thanks Jalal for covering the final event so beautifully while complementing your commentary pictorially. The Lahore Chapter members feel elated for the kind compliments expressed by the participants of the Get Together. It was a matter of great honour and expression of trust for letting us host the mega event. While we feel satisfied on the succesful conduct of the proceedings, we do apologise for any deficiency observed in the administrative arrangements. We look forward to further fostering of our comradeship through such occasions in years to come. Our special thanks to Asif and JHB for being so supportive all along. Long live the fiftyfiver spirit.
Post a Comment