Australia Day celebrated in memorable manner

Islamabad : There are receptions and then there are memorable receptions, whereby the hosts take the time and trouble to make them enjoyable. To celebrate ‘Australia Day in Spring,’ High Commissioner, Margaret Adamson and spouse Marek Krol hosted a reception at the Serena Hotel which was attended by a large number of invitees from different walks of life. The venue had been changed from the high commissioners residence to the hotel because of inclement weather.

What made it different from other such events was the manner in which traditional and colourful Pakistani truck art had been used to make an archway under which guests passed to be greeted at the door of the Shishmahal Hall; the other truck art pieces and a musical performance by Pakistani Australian, Abdullah Qureshi. The guest of honour was Minister of State for Climate Change, Zartaj Gul and the cake was cut after the national anthems of both countries had been played and the speeches were over.

The truck art had been created by Karachi-based artists ‘Phool Patti’ and was somewhat different than what is usually seen on trucks and other artefacts. Koala bears and kangaroos had been incorporated into the design to give it an Australian touch and the colours were more subdued and somewhat on the pastel side, but it was artistically done and many guests took photographs and selfies using it as a background.

Welcoming her guests, Margaret Adamson hoped they would enjoy the evening. “Music and art are a perfect way to celebrate the connections between Australia and Pakistan because they embody the vibrant creativity and cultural diversity of both countries,” she said. “We’re delighted to showcase these colourful Pakistani traditions and infuse them with some Australian and Pakistani songs.” She then went on to talk about the bilateral ties between Australia and Pakistan that actually began in the 1800’s when camels from Baluchistan were brought into Australia, along with manual labour, to develop the Australia outback! She also spoke of the challenges the two countries face in many fields and are working together to overcome.

In her response Zartaj Gul thanked her hosts for inviting her to the celebration and said she was honoured and pleased to be present along with the other guests on this auspicious occasion. She paid tribute to Margaret Adamson’s diplomatic skills and popularity by pointing out the large number of guests who attended the reception; spoke about the aims and objectives of a ‘Naya Pakistan’ under the leadership of Prime Minister, Imran Khan and concluded by saying, ‘Pakistan Australia dosti zindabad’

Young and enthusiastic Abdullah Qureshi and his band members then entertained the guests with popular Sufi songs; Australian ones like ‘Waltzing Matilda and paid tribute to the now disbanded pop group, Vital Signs by singing the groups popular number, ‘Eitebar.’ It was a fun evening. Some guests were seen swaying to the music or clapping to the beat, while conversation was loud and cheerful, also because of the music!