In the month of November during one of the Club meeting our District Governor Usman Masud expressed his desire that a grand gala for the families of Rotarians be arranged during the month of December which also happens to be the Family Month as designated in the RI Events. It was also decided that the District Secretary Admiral Tanveer Ahmed be nominated as Event Manager for organizing the mega event. A number of meetings were held in order to implement the programme. Rotary Club of Karachi Centennial, Rotary Club of Karachi Central Town, Rotary Club of Karachi Creek, Rotary Club of Karachi Defence, Rotary Club of Karachi Downtown, Rotary Club of Karachi East, Rotary Club of Karachi Gateway, Rotary Club of Karachi Marina Gold, Rotary Club of Karachi Universal joined in from Karachi where as Rotary Club of Hyderabad joined from interior Sind. With all the arrangements taken care off the families and especially the children waited anxiously for the D.Day which was fixed as 20th December 09.

The Picnic proved to be great success. In order to achieve the desired results it was abundantly clear that a lot of efforts had been put in by the organizers in general and by the officers of the Pakistan Naval Academy in particulars. It was no mean task to manage a group of 448 Rotarians and their families. The day started with the Rotarians converging on to the Naval Academy at 1015 hrs in their own transport. The drive from Karachi to Manora was a good experience. The Naval Personnel at all the three Security Checks were not only polite but helpful.

It was the day when all those who sat at home and missed the Picnic must have realized that such opportunities do not came their way very often. It was the day when it was not very hot and not very cold. It was the day when sitting at home was a mistake and being out enjoying the sun shine was a better option to practice. The day started with the first 10 overs cricket match between the ladies eleven of Rotarians and the Pakistan Naval Academy. After winning the toss the Rotarians decided to bat against the Ladies Eleven of the Academy. Our ladies team was bundled out at a very low score. It was evidently clear that our ladies were up against a tough team. They ran from pillar to post to submit their mercy petition which was finally upheld by the District Secretary who called off the match citing reasons of bad light. Bad light at 11.15 am in a place like Karachi is un-heard off, but who could challenge the Authority of the Admiral.

The second match was organized between the Rotarians team led by former Test Cricketer Sadiq Muhammad and a Academy team led by the Commandant Commodore Ayaz Ahmed Nasir. Admiral Tanveer Ahmed and Rotarians Nighat Sadiq President of RCK Gateway officiated as umpires. While the players braved the sun the two umpires managed to have the facility of the umbrallas. The Rotarians managed to score 68 runs in the allocated 10 overs. The assistance provided by the umpires to the Rotarians team was commendable as the highest scorer for the Rotarian Eleven were the extras. Sandwiches and tea was served during the break which were enjoyed by all the Rotarians. As the Academy team came into bat it seemed they would achieve the results within a few overs. The Commandant hammered two sixes and five fours at a speed which was not acceptable to the umpires as such he was sent back to the pavilion declared as hurt. The Academy team won the game convincing.

On completion of the match the ground was swamped by kids and 4 teams were formed. The parents were excited to see their wards actively participating and enjoying the limited over cricket match. It was the pleasure to see that each and every child, his parents and spectators enjoyed the activity. While the cricket matches were in practice sheets of paper were distributed amongst the different clubs where they were required to write down all words ending that “SHIP” for example friendship, leadership and dictatorship etc, etc. While the players put their physical powers to play the Rotarians from the clubs employed their intellectual powers to win this competition.

After the hectic cricket matches the Rotarians and the spectators boarded the train to head for the Wardroom for lunch. Sumptuous lunch was served on the lawns of the Wardroom. All the participants ate to their heart’s content. On completion of Lunch, Tambola was organized for all. Children of all ages, young and old actively participated in this event. On completion of Tambola, prizes and gifts were presented to the winners. District Governor Usman Masud thanked the Commandant for making excellent arrangements for the function. Three wheel chairs were donated to the Naval Sick Bay by the Rotarians of RCK-Creek. All the participants boarded buses and proceeded for the Beach. The Naval Authorities had made adequate arrangements for the Rotarians to participate in different games. Volleyball nets were erected. Naval Divers were available to provide safety to the children who ventured into the sea. Tug of war stole the show as all including the DG, Ladies and children actively participated in the event.

Karachi Port Trust also provided facilities for the Rotarians to visit the Manora Light House. It was a unique experience for all to see as to how a Light House operates which assists the ship to navigate safely while they are out at sea. A few horses and camels were also arranged for the Rotarians and their families. It was a pleasure to see many a Lawrence of Arabia’s and Sultan Rahi’s enjoying the camel and horse rides.

As the sun was setting it was time for all to return to the Naval Academy. Mustering the Rotarians to bring them back to Naval Academy was a difficult and uphill task as the children were just not willing to call it a day. The parents too wanted their children to enjoy the outing. Ultimately repeated requests by the organizers to board the buses was accepted. Once back in the Wardroom tea and small eats were served to all.

It was a day full of fun and frolic for all age groups. The Pakistan Naval Academy under the able command of Commodore Ayaz played a perfect host. Attention to every detail was praiseworthy:
“Thank you Commodore Ayaz and the Officers and Sailors of the Pakistan Naval Academy for playing perfect hosts to us and share with us some of the secrets pertaining to Admiral Tanveer our District Secretary when he was serving in the Navy.”

I would also like to thank the Event Manager Admiral Tanveer Ahmed for organizing a picnic which will be remembered for a long time.

Rtn Asma Inayat
Secretary
Rotary Club of Karachi Bay

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