Pak Gymkhana Club Holds
Inaugural Event in Fremont
By Ras H. Siddiqui
Gymkhana
Club founders |
The
Pak American Gymkhana Club is now a welcome new addition
to the Desi social scene in the San Francisco Bay Area after
holding a successful inaugural event at the Marriott Hotel
in Fremont on Friday, August 4, 2006. And as the Club Charter
states: “We are the ambassadors from Pakistan asserting
our right to bring forth our fair share of the historic
legacy of "The Indian Continent." We seek to celebrate,
with like minds, our immense cultural wealth and to increase
awareness and appreciation for Pakistan's Rising Tide by
showcasing its regional art and prolific talent.
According to the Founders: “We are a California based
Non-Profit (Applied for), Non-Political culture-focused
organization with a MISSION: To cater to the social and
cultural exclusivity, and the communal and economic needs
of the larger expatriate Pakistani (and regional origin)
community. Our VISION is to bring and promote the outstanding
achievements of fellow members of the community, recognizing
meritorious services in key sectors like high-tech, charity,
academics and entertainment.”
It was not the number of attendees that were present which
was impressive at this gala (over 200 people attended).
This was an evening of fine food and entertainment, and
will be remembered for its quality, reminiscent of the Gymkhana
tradition that many of us left behind in Pakistan. Under
the themes of “Bringing the Professionals Together
for a night of mystic merrymaking," the evening featuring
the diverse talents of “Zenergy” and “Natta
Haotzima” along with the melodious voice of Bela Bhatt
( "Meri Her Khushi Tujh Pe Fida"). Belka helped
Faakhir raise funds for South Asian Earthquake Relief earlier
this year in the United States. And last but not least ghazal
singer Asif Ali along with local tabla wonder Manesh Judge,
whose talents were appreciated very much here.
Gymkhana
Club audience |
Asif
Ali (not to be mistaken with Qawwal Asif Ali Khan) happens
to be a personal favorite. Just like emerging Indian ghazal
singer Sudhir Narain, who was also performing his craft
at another venue just a few miles away during the same evening,
not too many people have yet had a chance to appreciate
Asif’s talents. He has an extraordinary voice but
could learn a great deal more about marketing himself. His
“Ab kay Saal Poonam” and “Darwaza Khula
Rakho” are very well known. For those who really want
to appreciate his voice “ILm Wo Fun Kay Deewanay”
is superb. He spent the evening singing his own songs along
with those of Jagjit Singh and if I recall correctly one
from Ataullah Khan Isakhelvi. But if one can offer a word
of advice or two, Asif Ali is for the serious ghazal connoisseur
and not for the “Halla Gulla” crowd. The seriousness
in his voice has to be matched by the seriousness of the
listener. His closing “Insha Ji Utho” will be
remembered here for quite some time.
Bela
Bhatt |
In
closing the Gymkhana Club Charter states, “Another
stated intention of this group is to highlight our richness
in diversity by focusing on different regions at different
events. This means that we will always be seeking to expand
our offerings, and to bring in fresh, untried and whenever
possible, independent talent. We hope to see you at our
shows, which we intend to develop into a monthly staple
of amazing and memorable events, always looked forward to
with upbeat anticipation.”
Asif
Ali |
As mentioned earlier, the Pak Gymkhana Club (http://www.gymkhanaclub.us/)
is now a part of the San Francisco Bay Area social scene.
It is an attempt by a group of people to indulge in some
good, clean, fun while promoting the culture of ‘Pak-o-Hind”.
And the fact that this club was locally launched around
Independence Day is worthy of note. For more information
please contact: Shiraz Jivani, Director of Entertainment:
510-816-3539
Anwer Siddiqui, Founding Member: 925-216-9678, Ahsan Sajjad,
Founding Member, 408-482-5374 or Maryam Turab, President:
510-921-7914. Membership fees are high, but as with the
Gymkhana tradition, they always have been.
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