UKAA’s Memorable
Eid Milan Party
A Pakistan Link Report
Glimpses of the UKAA Eid Milan Party
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Lakewood, CA: Like any
successful diplomat, Consul General Syed Ibne Abbas is perceptibly
suave and blend. But his address at functions and meetings
is more than a mere formality, or a lackluster run-of-the-mill
diplomatic exercise. He makes well-meaning observations and
his off-the-cuff remarks are well received by members of the
community.
Addressing the University of Karachi Alumni Association Eid
Milan Party on November 17 at the Shahnawaz Restaurant, the
Consul General furnished fresh proof of this singular trait:
“A rootless person is a stateless person and that is
a curse,” said the Consul General as he exhorted the
audience to work for the betterment of their country of adoption
– the US – and to “pay back” the mother
country - Pakistan. He also urged them to steadfastly cling
to “fundamental principles” and be conscious of
their roots.
Mr. Ibne Abbas advised members of the community to be more
“inclusive” by inviting other ethnic groups to
community functions and gatherings. “We have nothing
to hide,” he said, adding, the Pakistani food, music
and culture could have a compelling appeal for all and sundry
and precipitate a wholesome change. He also asked various
community groups, associations, and individuals to shun petty
politics and adversarial relationships and to demonstrate
love and respect for one another.
The Consul General complimented the UKAA for organizing the
function and providing an opportunity to its members to meet
and spend time together. “I salute you for this very
important networking,” he remarked. “Bohat acha
lag raha hae. Aapnae apni haseen yadoon kae chirag jalae,”
the CG said.
The function was attended by a large number of former students
of the University of Karachi who have excelled in various
fields, both at home and abroad and maintained close contacts
with one another. The Association is a vibrant and dynamic
organization and its members vividly demonstrate self-confidence,
civility, and dash that characterize students of the University
of Karachi.
The UKAA also played host to prominent community members who
have not studied at the University of Karachi but whose presence
at the Eid Milan Party testified to the close bonds that the
Association enjoys with Pakistanis from other parts of the
country. UKAA generously distributed awards to members of
the community in recognition of the award winners’ “notable
contribution and volunteer commitment for the University of
Karachi, that exemplifies the spirit and purpose of the University
of Karachi and Alumni Association.”
The Eid Milan Party turned out to be a memorable evening and
the organizers - Raffat Khan (President), Amber Mujtaba (General
Secretary), Zafar Hussain, Majeed Akhtar , Syed Asad Ali,
Rukhsana Lalani , and ShoaibAhmed – deserve accolades
for all their efforts. The program was ably emceed by Majeed
Akhtar whose wit and humor had an enlivening influence on
the proceedings.
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