19TH February 2010
The Picnic of TKMCE UAE Chapter for 2010- YATHRA 2010 started off the year with a GREAT BANG!!!
Despite the distance that everyone had to travel, the overwhelming response of 150 participants gives us more confidence and strength to organise more events in future. Travelling by bus was an experience most of us had forgotten for long and this journey revived the old memories of college days- fun, music, anthakshari and being together!
The journey started in two buses, one from Qusais Lulu HyperMarket and another from Karama. The buses joined at the Petrol pump on 5th Interchange- Al AIn Highway and everyone had their breakfast- Iddli, Vada and tea.
Starting on a high-energy mood after the refreshments, everyone was raring to go, as we reached Al Ain. The event was opened by the President. Four teams were formed and each team prepared a logo and slogan for them, which was to be used for the rest of the day’s games. This was followed with running race for children, spouses and alumni. The veterans too joined. Many games for children, ladies and couples followed.
After a sumptuous lunch, everyone settled down on the lawn and group games followed.
Couple dance, Finding the perfect match, Dumb Sherat and finally Anthakshari, which was fought aggressively by the four teams.
Evening came and everyone refreshed themselves with Tea, Parippu Vada and Pazham Pori. A T-Shirt commemorating this event was signed by everyone who was preent and auctioned. The proceeds were donated to charity.
The showdown as usual was with the Vadam Vali by the four groups to win the first place and claim their coveted prize- Pazhakkula.
Everyone left the venue at 5:00 p.m., happy, entertained and still energetic. The Anthakshari continued in the bus during the return trip.
It was all made possible with the outstanding and committed effort by the Event Co-ordinator Mr. Manilal B (1991 ELE) and the other members of the co-ordination committee, namely, Mr. Riyaz KA (1996 CE), Mr. Nizar Ali (1997 CSE) & Mr. Mohammed Anaz (2006 CE). Also we extent our thanks to Ms. Shereen (1998 Arch) who supported the co-ordinators in conducting the events at the venue.
Our event patron Mr. Anil Kumar VK (1977 E and Advisory Committee Member) who couldn’t make it to the venue due to urgent business trip made sure that all the ground works were completed before he left. Our Joint Secretary Mr. Deepak Divakaran (2001 Arch) needs a special round of appreciation for his all round performance in organizing the event despite the hamstring he was still recovering from since AKCAF Sports Event.
Words would be inadequate to express our gratitude to Mr. Shivakumar (1978 ME) who extended the local support & food at Al Ain- the food was simply delicious and served in time at an unbelievable price! What was most remarkable about the event was the participation from Al Ain members and their families in large numbers, making up for having missed out similar events in the past for a long time.
The event was supported by our event sponsors M/s. MILL MECHANICAL, Dubai and M/s. Star Soft Drinks, Sharjah, thanks to our fellow alumni members- Amjad Sali (91 PE) and Joseph Thomas (76 M) respectively!
We had a great start to 2010!
Photographs of the event are uploaded at:
http://picasaweb. google.com/ deepakdivakaran/ Yathra2010