The Washington Aligarh Alumni Association Organizes Annual Summer Community Picnic
By Zafar Iqbal, PhD
The Aligarh Alumni Association of Metropolitan Washington (AAADC) organized its annual community picnic on Saturday, 16 th September 2023. The picnic is a popular event, cherished by all and sundry of the association, and brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. This year was particularly special because of the weather which was nothing short of perfect, promising a day filled with warmth and sunshine.
The attendees deeply missed the absence of Dr Sofia M. Abdullah, who passed away on August 15, 2023. Along with her husband, Dr A. Abdullah, she had been the backbone of the association since its inception in 1975 and had worked zestfully to support the association’s goals. The association will be organizing a special event celebrating her life and legacy on 24 th September 2023.
The members of the association spent weeks meticulously preparing for this event to ensure that every detail, however trivial, was perfectly planned and executed. They wanted it to be a day of laughter, camaraderie, and joy rekindling old connections.
The venue was Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg, MD, which was once a part of a tobacco plantation. The park features a paved path for walking, jogging, in-line skating, and biking. It also has a miniature golf course, an activity center, a skate park, and a water park. Named for former Mayor W. Edward Bohrer, the park is a wonderland for all ages and is a perfect location for a big summer party.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, the park began to fill with the bustling energy of youth, the laughter of children, and the wisdom of elders. Families and friends arrived with picnic baskets filled with homemade delicacies and shared dishes, each one more delicious than the last. A team of young volunteers spent hours barbequing marinated chicken legs, thighs, kabobs, and corn cobs. It was worth the wait to get freshly cooked stuff—thanks to the challenging work of these volunteers.
The association had reserved a Pond Pavilion at the Park, which had tables and benches. Most tables were overflowing with food and drinks. Many elders reminisced about their days at Aligarh University sharing stories of friendship and academic pursuits. Their eyes sparkled with nostalgia as they spoke of the past and celebrated the unity that had brought them all together.Kids played friendly soccer games, made colorful paintings, and enjoyed making new friends.
Ms Aditi Walnuj, Press and Education Secretary, Embassy of India, came with her mother. She stayed until the end conversing with people at the picnic and answering their questions.
As the day progressed, the attendees gathered for group photos. The officeholders of the association, including members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, expressed gratitude for the fantastic turnout and the spirit of togetherness and conviviality that had permeated the day. The association was especially thankful to the diligent volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who contributed to the success of the event.
As the picnic concluded, the attendees exchanged contact information, promising to stay in touch and work together for the betterment of their community.
A portion of the proceeds from the picnic was dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives and scholarships for deserving students, in line with the association’s commitment to the educational upliftment of the community.
The picnic was not just about food and games; it was also an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss important matters. The association has been organizing informative talks and discussions on education, career opportunities, and community development. These events provide a chance for the elders to pass on their wisdom to the younger generation and inspire them to aim for greatness. The association has been serving the community, dedicated to fostering cultural exchange, community building, and charitable endeavors. Further information about the Association’s mission and activities is available at www.aligarhdc.org or by contacting president@aligarhdc.org .
