Reflection on LUC’s ‘Explore Pakistan’ Event

Reflection on LUC’s ‘Explore Pakistan’ Event

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The Thursday before spring break (March 2nd, 2017), Loyola University held an on-campus event called “Explore Pakistan” by the students involved in the Pakistani Student Association (PSA) here at Loyola. Being apart of the association at school, it was definitely a proud moment after all the hard work that was put in by our members and dedicated board members.

Pakistani and Pakistani-American students on that night turned the campus of Chicago’s Loyola University into a mini Pakistan with food stalls and other exhibits as part of the country’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations that attracted a number of people.

The purpose of the event was to expose everyone of the Pakistani culture and the many aspects of it such as its clothing, food, dances, and aesthetics. Tickets were free to Loyola Students with an ID and only $10 for non-Loyola students.

The event started with  Pakistan’s Consul General Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, who was the chief guest on the occasion. Tirmizi urged Pakistani students to become a part of the American mainstream by making inroads into the US political, media and social sectors. Tirmizi said that Pakistan was a kaleidoscope of rich cultural heritage encompassing Indus valley, Gandhara, Islamic, Sikh and Mughal civilizations. Tirmizi spoke about the immense economic progress that Pakistan had made despite many security challenges, a fact acknowledged by leading western publications and how the rise of middle class could be the driver for stability not only for Pakistan but also for the entire region.

Appetizers, such as paani puri, live sugar cane juicing, falooda (ice cream), and lassi were served followed by a wide variety of Pakistani food catered by Anmol Barbecue Restaurant on Devon Ave,

Following dinner were dance performances by two groups, leading into an open dance floor.

Decorations were done by Afrin Designs and Henna application done by art.of.shades (Fareha Kamran) which made the event come together beautifully and made it very similar to the Mehndi (Henna) ceremony of the Pakistani tradition.

Overall, the event was a success and was definitely an unforgettable night. Loyola’s event was featured on many news websites as well, so be sure to check them out:

http://dailytimes.com.pk/life-and-style/05-Mar-17/pakistani-students-set-up-food-stalls-to-highlight-countrys-culture-in-chicago

http://pakobserver.net/pakistan-history-culture-showcased-at-chicagos-loyala-university/

http://www.app.com.pk/pakistans-history-and-culture-showcased-at-chicagos-loyola-university/

LUC PSA: “Our mission is to recognize the struggle and hardship facing Pakistan today and help alleviate these hardships through fundraising events, while simultaneously raising awareness about the culture and beauty of Pakistan. We hope to create a diverse group of members through our outreach and fundraising efforts.”

All money that was raised went towards building schools in Lahore, Pakistan.

 

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