Musical night: Let the good times roll

Rocklite performs at Bahria University alumni gathering.

ISLAMABAD:

Scores of alumni of Bahria University touched base at a rock concert at their alma mater on Friday evening. This homecoming of sorts was organised for former students to reconnect with old friends and network with professionals. Many were also accompanied by their families.

As the audience was catching up with one another over chilled juices and cold coffee, Rocklite band took centre stage with “Evil Ways.” The band members Rizwanul Haq (lead guitarist and ex-Vital Signs member), Allan Smith (drums and lead vocals), Imran Hanan (bass and backing vocals) and Endy (percussion) performed a mix of Pakistani and English songs, mostly from the 80s and 90s.



They revisited the all-time popular numbers by Vital Signs, including “Aitebar”, “Sanwali Saloni” and “Goray rang ka zamana” followed by rock and pop songs from various musicians including “My love means nothing to you”, “Love Philosophy” and “Every step you take”.

“I’m glad that musical events are back at the university,” said Maryam Abid who graduated in 2009 and works in a telecom company. “Many of us have found good jobs and gone abroad all because of this university,” she added.

Madiha Naseem, a gold medalist of the MBA programme and the communications manager for the alumni association, said the event was an opportunity to welcome the alumni back to the institution while also promoting professional discourse.

“This is our way of telling friends that it is not the end of the road but the beginning and we want to stay in touch,” said Alumni Association President Umair Mehmood.



He remarked that a number of the alumni had also ended up in local underground bands such as Lahoo, Call, Rap Engineers and Irtaash. He added they are planning to hold similar events for reunions and entertainment.

The musical evening was organised by the alumni association in collaboration with the Australian Education Office.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2013.