Extravaganza on campus: NUML rises to embrace spring in a big way

* Students, teachers dance to Pakistani, Indian, English songs Students at National University of Modern Languages (NUML) on Saturday organised annual Spring Extravaganza on campus. As many as 70 different stalls of Chinese and Pakistani food, drinks, music, books, formal and casual dresses besides catwalk show and love jails were main features of the extravaganza. Departments of Mass Communication, International Relations, Economics and English Language were prominent in the celebrations. Kite flying is a tradition of this spring festival and this time too it lived up to its traditions. The festival that continued the whole day was well attended not only by NUML students but also by students from different institutions of twin cities and children with their families. It gave them a golden opportunity to fly kites, dance, sing and prove their talent in extra-curricular activities. The festival opened in an informal manner with no participation from any high official. It started with Bhangra and Dhammal by energetic students and their young teachers. Nach majajan nach and Aa bi jao resonated through lush lawns of the campus. Many students danced to Indian and English songs. About 15 stalls, offering a variety of books and food, also managed to pull big crowds while girls were keenly interested in stalls of palmistry. Stalls of barbeque, clothes, henna and other household items were especially set up for girls. Not only the NUML students, but outsiders also availed themselves of these stalls fully. Well-kept gardens of the university, filled with sweet smells, added to charms of the event. No incident of scuffle or disorganisation was witnessed. It is really memorable. A lot of people are here in traditional dresses representing their regional cultures. I am really overwhelmed, said Aamir Saeed, a student of English Department. Abdul Rafay Hashmi, another student, said he was happy to see people enjoy to their hearts content. This festival has shown that Islamabad is no more a dull city and it can match Lahore and Karachi, he said. Asia went on to say that food stalls were expensive. She said outsiders should not be allowed in here as they make a mess out of everything. Sidra Rehman said the festival was a tradition and the university had organised it in such a big way for the first time. Theres a lot of variation in the event and everyone is enjoying, she said. Lubna Khalid complained that some boys and girls were overacting here. The campus has become a dating point for many couples. These moments should be used in a positive way and for healthy purpose. I am happy to see a lot of children with their families, she said.