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Pakistan’s Independence Day Celebrations in Campbelltown Sydney
(Report by Mudasasr Cheema)
No matter where we live
Pakistan is always in our hearts….. We owe our successes, our identities… and
even our existence to our beloved motherland and there is no better way to
recognise this then to celebrate the birth of our beautiful Pakistan.
To commemorate the 61st Independence Day a marvelous and colourful event was
held on the 9th of August in Campbelltown, Sydney (Ruse Community Centre). It
was, probably, the first of many programs that have been held across Australia.
Over two hundred Pakistanis living in the local area participated in the
celebrations and enjoyed a wonderful evening of learning about Pakistan and
entertainment. Our special thanks go to the Pakistan High Commission Canberra
for providing a Pakistani documentary and some reading material on Pakistan (all
happily received and distributed amongst the participants) This noble gesture is
much appreciated by Pakistani Australians living in the Macarthur – Campbelltown
area.
Azadi program started with Talwat –e Quran and ended with a Dua. The program
included singing of the national anthems of Pakistan and Australia by a troupe
of children and some role-plays. Role Plays and tableau by the youngsters
included: (1) a representation of our achievements so far in the eyes of Quid-e
Azam and Fatima Jinnah and what remains to be achieved, and (b) Tableau on Lub
Pay Aati hay dua bun ke and Dil Dil Pakistan. There was a quiz for children on
Pakistan history and speeches on Pakistan’s independence and what it means to
us. A student and a girl representative spoke about students and women’s
contributions in the Pakistan’s movement.
It was well coordinated, well presented program and volunteers put a lot of hard
work into it. Everybody had thoroughly enjoyed the evening, especially children
who were also active participants in the program which served the purpose very
well, i.e. letting our coming generations be aware of our beloved country and
its history. Refreshments and food was served during and after the program for
which we owe our gratitude and special thanks to ladies.
