Abbottabad once again hared the footsteps of its very old residents, who in 1975 thumped the roads of Kakul and surrounding areas with lots of hufs and mufs. This time , however, it was a pleasant re-union with grown up kids and their kids, fathers and grand fathers and mothers and grand mothers. This being a special occasion since after April 2008, a few would be left on the active list, we are dedicating a separate page to cover the proceedings of this great get-together which was arranged courtesy Ghazanfar and associates.
It may be mentioned here that it was Ghazanfar, while serving in GHQ in 1991, who arranged the first course get-together as a mega event and since then it has become an annual feature. And the programme issued by him amply highlights his contribution towards the course and turning into a memorable occasion. And most certainly, this time he lived much above the expectations since the get together spread over two was so well organized that it will be remembered and cherished by all of us for all our lives.
Well for those who missed this grand show - which reminds me of the film "The Greatest Show on the Earth", I saw in my childhood, here is an eyewitness' account of those two unforgettable days that myself, my family and dozens of our course mates and their families enjoyed while in Abbottabad on 12-13 April 2008, just four days short of 31st passing out day anniversary of 55th PMA Long Course - indeed one of the best courses that ever passed out from PMA. Since there were so many activities arranged on each day, it would be unjustified on my part to sum up everything in just one page. And certainly it will not be able to compliment the efforts of Ghazanfar and his entire staff and those great recruits who made us the happiest of all human beings while celebrating our reunion. Therefore I have subdivided the activities in two segments - so sit back and read on to participate in what we all saw on 12-13th April 2008.
Right from the moment we moved in - we were nothing but impressed. Rushing from Rawalpindi after attending Naeem Anwar Butt's daughter's marriage, the first impression was great. We were received with a very efficient reception committee who received us with warm and open arms. A motorcyclist guide was there to take every guest to his guest room and like everyone, I too was taken up on the Baloch Mess in Zarhoon VIP room. We hurriedly changed clothes and rushed back to the Piffers Mess main dinning hall, which was already hustling and bustling with course mates, families and their children. And let me confess what a grand dinner was laid out for us. The clattering of Piffer Mess silvery cutlery and giggles and laughers of course mates and their families made such beautiful music that could not have ever been written. Ghazanfar and his better half were busy greeting and looking after the guests with a big smile on their faces.
After the great dinner, everyone was taken to the Piffers stadium for an impressive Tattoo Show - something which has unfortunately fading out of of our traditional fanfare and most certainly for many, even the grown ups, it was the first show. For me it reminded me of my childhood when I witnessed the Tattoo Show during the once famous Horse and Cattle Show in Lahore cantonment as far back as 1964. The show was organized into two segments: the first comprised of recruits carrying the covered candles who performed various beautiful combinations and feasts. But the actual performance and applause came when some hundred recruits of the Piffers Centre marched in from three corners holding burning torches - the actual Tattoo Show. It drew much applause when the first arranged to WELCOME the spectators, followed by 55th PMA LONG COURSE. Everyone jumped from the seats to give them a big hand. later the performed a number of breath taking combinations which were both breath taking and spectacular.
After the spectacular Tattoo Show, all of us were taken to the Piffers auditorium for musical evening. First of all the Piffers brass band played some of the finest melodies. The narration-cum-band melodies of folk lore "Sassi" was simply impressive. The shinning instruments of the brass band add further luster to the show.
After the band display, it came as a nice surprise to me when I was requested to come over the stage and introduce my website to the audience. The VPS was specially placed with some of the sections of the site downloaded from internet. While explained the website, I drew tremendous support and applause from everyone - which really moved me. Some had seen the site for the first time and everyone vowed to see it direct from the internet once the went back. For this I specially thank Ghazanfar Ali for providing me an opportunity to introduce the site to the audience.
After the band show, we had a grand music night, which later turned out to be a musical morning since it ended around three in the morning. A local talent Rabia, though physically handicapped but with a beautiful voice, was invited who sang on non stop to the invitations of everyone. From soft melodies to thrilling songs, making many to jump into the arena and dance to the beat. Those who actively participated included Azhar ali Shah, Zahir, Badar, Saleem Sawar, Iqbal, Munir, Saeed, Akram, Tony and others. Saleem Sarwar's dance was very interesting and his shaking of the beard added fun for the audiance. Besides, Tony and Haider also came on the stage and moved the audience with Tony's peculiar style, while Haider recited verses from his beautifully written poetry - a facet of him we had never known before.
The proceeding of the day included a 9-Holes match for the golfers, putting competition for the ladies and children, a power-gliding demo, band display, folk dances by recruits of the Piffers Centre, mouth watering brunch, lots of laughers and photos.
After the golfers, the first to enter was the smartly dressed brass band of the Piffers Centre. The marched into the ground and came close to the specially allocated space for them to occupy it for the day.
While the golf match was in progress and the ladies were busy in the putting competition, there appeared a lone power glider right in front of the arena and attracted every one's attention. The glider circled the arena and came very close before pulling up and finally landed into the lush green patch in front of the visitors' stand which was cordoned off on both side by equi-spaced over hundred years old towering cedar trees. Children and officers both went to the glider and congratulated him for his superb gliding ability while the glider answered various questions put forth by the inquisitive children.
Then, while the officers formed into various groups to chat and share old memories, there was a musical chair for the ladies. It was well contested competition with lots of pushes, finally wives of Jalal and Najeeb remained to contest the final. It was well contested by both competitors and ultimately Mrs. Jalal won it.
Then the finally awaited brunch was served with delicious Halwa Poori combination and of course our national bird chicken wasn't forgotten. After the brunch, the Piffers Centre recruits presented superb folk dances and everyone joined in to dance to the typical Pushto beat of the famous songs. Qadri, besides other was prominent in dancing to the melodious tunes, adding more joy to the event. Interestingly, Khatak was rather reluctant to dance - a mystery perhaps.
The prize distribution ceremony was the last event to award prizes ladies-children and male golfers and participants of musical chair. More photographs will be added as and when received from Ghazanfar and other course mates. No award for the winning tug of war team as Qadri - the sports sergeant of Tariq company made it more of a fun game rather than a competition. We all enjoyed it - though.
The proceedings of the ended with a thank-you from Azhar Ali Shah to Ghazanfar Ali, his tem and the Piffers Centre and a hip hip hurray for them. Then as a good will gesture, everyone threw Ghazanfar in the air three times. Then slowly and gradually every one started to leave - embracing each other with a hope to meet again next year - INSHALLAH. and so came to an a two days mega event - laid out very well painstakingly by the organizers - certainly this get together was the best so far held and its beautiful memories would be cherished as long as we are. THANK YOU GHAZANFAR and everyone who made it to Abbottabad.
PS:
Big thanks to Jalal Bhatti for recording this for next generation.
