ComNews_USC

Pakistan Independece Day 2004
By
South Asian Festival of Los Angeles
University of Southern California
August 14, 2004

Musical evenings in Los Angeles are out of the ordinary, and more and more event organizations are taking up the task almost every month to provide entertainment to its audiences. This year, South Asian Festival of Los Angeles (SAFLA), a young group from Los Angeles bagged the opportunity to celebrate the Pakistan Independence Day for Pakistani Americans living at-large in Southern California.

Audiences of Los Angeles came to know at a very short notice that SAFLA is making their steps to celebrate the Independence Day at USC instead of Cal. State Fullerton who have been the host for many years. “They will mess-up the show”, was the rumor of the town till the August 13, 2004.

Well, a group graduated from USC and having experience in event hosting within the school and in communities other than Pakistani was up to the mark stunningly fetched hearts of audiences all over Southern California by the end of the day of August 14, 2004.

McCarthy Quad, a holding capacity of 10,000 to 15,000 audiences, was the center of entertainment with giant stage situated nicely along with a huge side screen. The other section allured audiences, holding capacity 8,000 to 12,000, not only for gourmet Pakistani food but also attracted local South Asians Businesses showcase to celebrate the Day buying presents for loved ones. Food and showcase area was also equipped with the same sized huge side screen for the crowd away from the entertainment area for the very first time.

The amazing duo of Huma and Imran emceed the charismatic show which started 7:00 PM sharp. Various political dignitaries and guests have been invited from local, state and federal offices including Mr. Noor Muhammad Jadmani (Consul General of Pakistan), Linda Sanchez (Congresswoman), John Chiang (Board Member, State Board of Equalization), Judy Chu (Assemblywoman), and Sheriff Lee Baca.

Local and international artists have been arranged to entertain the audiences and to make the night as beautiful as it could be a real Pakistan Independence Day. Musical Band and artist being flocked around the whole night were Silk Jives Band, the Day Band, Nadeem and Rizwan Wali Muhammad, and the heart breaking Bhangra master Sukhbir. Mr. Mohammed Anwar and Master Abdul Ghaffar Anwar also honored the stage with Naat and jokes.

First time ever masses of Southern California got to see the spectacular Firework specially arranged for Pakistan Independence Night. The whole show was stunningly beautifully arranged by the SAFLA committee and bagged all the prayers from every Pakistani witnessed the show.

We do hope and expect love and dedication from SAFLA for our country and for the masses next year again. God Bless Pakistan.

Contact SAFLA for you Event : info@pakdayla.com

Congratulations !!!!

Sana Chughtai, daughter of Muhammad Akram Chughtai has won the Raffle draw for Computer at USC Pakistan Day Celebration 14 August, 2004 arranged by www.perdesi.net. Sana Chughtai just finished 8th grade from Palms Junior High School, Los Angeles. "I was lucky enough to attend Pakistan Day for the very first time and won a prize which will help me in my studies," she said.