A graceful installation ceremony of all clubs falling in the north was held in Lahore at P.C. Hotel on July 04, 2009 – hosted by Rotary Club of Lahore Mozang and Rotary Club of Lahore Cantt.

This ceremony was exceptional in nature – encompassing in it the hard core of the program, fun, festivity and glamour in an exotic grandeur and ambiance created on this occasion.

This ceremony was attended by more than 530 participants from all parts of north.

Program began with an exceptional Qirat performed by Mrs. Sarwat Atta Barry, followed by National Anthems of Afghanistan and Pakistan, flags for which were fluttered around by AG Dost Mohammad (from Afghanistan) and Rtn. Amna Ulfat (MPA from Punjab) respectively.

Next, remembrance of our creator was done through playing a “hamd” of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – “Wo hi tu ha jo nizam-e-hasti challa raha hai – wo hi Khuda hai”.

During the course of this “hamd” images of the humanitarian work done by the Rotarians were displayed on the screen – linking the work being done by the people (Rotarians) as desired by its creator.

A special sunshine for the IDPs was conducted by CDG Rauf Rohaila, generating an amount of Rs. 68,000. Extensive recognition was done to recognize all the Rotarians in one way or the other.

Special recognition was done for AG Dost Mohammad from Afghanistan and Rtn. Robert Heiserman from Rotary Club of Denver, USA.

Formal welcome address was accorded by host club President of Rotary Club of Lahore Cantt, Rtn. Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi in a professional manner.

Outgoing District Governor Rtn. Saeed Shamsi delivered his last memorable speech as the outgoing District Governor. He highlighted various accomplishments made during the course of Rotary year 2008-09 including approval of the decision with respect to Re-Districting, permission for local publishing of the monthly “The Rotarian” and electing of the DGNs un-opposed without elections being held.

After outgoing DG Saeed Shamsi’s address, installing of the incoming District Governor Rtn. Usman Masud Khan was conducted in a fascinating manner. Two trumpeters announced the arrival of the incoming District Governor on the stage through their trumpet notes. As soon as IPDG Saeed Shamsi put the collar around DG Usman Masud’s neck, fireworks started on the screen, crackers were fired, balloons hanging on the stage were burst releasing confetti, and snowing started on them through snow sprays, creating a cool effect. The hall was decorated with white and blue balloons with the R.I. theme on it. Specially made club banners of all clubs from Lahore and various banners with motivational slogans were put on display.

At this stage – man of the moment – charismatically dynamic District Governor Usman Masud Khan delivered his address. Bowing his head to almighty Allah, he thanked for the support of all Rotarians which made it possible for him to serve District 3270 as the united district in its last year.

He also acknowledged the great support he received from his charming wife Shehla during all difficult and comfortable periods of his life. He said that the moment she entered in his life, pleasant changes took all around him.

He urged his District team members and specially his presidents for the year 2009-10 to give him full support to make current rotary year a prosperous, rewarding and the most functional one.

He earmarked various focused areas including literacy, health, water management, microfinance and above all polio plus program – as the prime areas of work.

He urged all Rotarians to come forward and put their hearts and souls in to undertake projects in these defined areas.

On this occasion, DG Usman Masud presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to PDG Riaz ul Hassan Ghouri – in recognition of his outstanding services for the cause of Rotary District 3270 during his illustrious career of Rotary. PDG Ghouri – who came on a wheel chair – was over-whelmed with the emotions and extended his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him.

Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to PDG Mughis A Sheikh in recognition of his extra ordinary services to the cause of Rotary in Pakistan spread over a long period of his illustrious Rotary career.

On both occasions DG Usman Masud – involved all PDGs, DGE and DGN to present these Awards collectively.

To promote peace, harmony and unity amongst the Rotarians of District 3270 a unity song was played “Iss percham ke sa-e tal-e ham aik hain”. All Rotary dignitaries exhibited the spirit of unity by displaying and waving the flags of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Rotary International during the course of the song while standing on the floor. All participants waved flags of Pakistan and Rotary International to indicate the solidarity to the spirit of unity.

Oathtaking ceremony was conducted by DG Usman Masud in a graceful manner. Each president was presented with the nicely designed and printed “PLEDGE” which they recited with the DG.

Installation of the presidents was done regionwise. It started with Region E, followed by Region D and ended with Region C.

Flower bouquets were presented to the outgoing first Lady Mrs. Aqeela Shamsi and incoming first Lady Mrs. Shehla Usman by Mrs. A.Q. Alavi and Mrs. Memona Shehzad.

A special Award was presented to Dr. Nasir Rashid who is president of the Hair Club – for achieving excellence in his vocation and for sponsoring the installation ceremony generously. A short but sweet vote of thanks was extended by president host club Rotary Club of Lahore Mozang – Rtn. Javed Manzoor.

Acknowledgments were done appreciating the role of all members of the organizing committee which included all Assistant Governors from Lahore region as well.

Special appreciation was made for President Gulzar A Qureshi and Rotary Club of Lahore Cantt for generating highest registration. AG Dr. Aliya Qreshi was recognized for achieving highest zonal registration.

President Rotary Club of Lahore Mozang Javed Manzoor and AG Amna Ulfat were recognized for the great work undertaken from all aspects.

AG Waseem Barry, President M. Shafiq Rotary Club of Faisalabad , Deputy Governor Hafeez Ahmed, AG Saeeda Rehman, AG Andleeb Ahmar were also recognized for their great support. Special recognition was done for PP Almas Jovindah and Rtn. Mubarik Ali Shahid for their exceptional efforts for this program.

With this the formal part of colorful ceremony came to an end followed by Dinner.

After the dinner a musical program started. Sana Noor with her mesmerizing style entertained the audience followed by Anwar Rafi who sang the old melodies of Muhammad Rafi. Later on Sana Noor enthralled the audience once again towards the depth of the night.

Contributed by Deputy Governor Rtn. Satwat Butt
Photographs courtesy of Rtn. Mubarak Ali Shahid.

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