Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing well. As you know, 14th August is just around the corner—Pakistan's Independence Day, a day when the dream of Pakistan became a reality. On this day in 1947, our beloved nation emerged as an independent country, a place where the promise of freedom was fulfilled. It’s a day that fills every Pakistani heart with pride and gratitude.

This year, my visit to the university for brainstorming our final year project (FYP) ideas turned out to be even more special. As soon as I arrived, I noticed something different—a vibrant atmosphere filled with patriotic energy. That’s when I realized that our university was celebrating 14th August on the 13th, turning the usual academic day into a day of national pride and joy.

The Campus Decorations: A Burst of Patriotism

As I walked through the campus, the first thing that caught my eye was the transformation of the tuck shop area. The entire place, which also serves as our waiting area, was adorned with countless small flags. The air was filled with the melodies of our national anthem and other patriotic songs, playing from the mic system set up nearby. The sight of the green and white flags fluttering in the breeze and the sound of the anthems created an atmosphere that was both festive and deeply emotional.

FYP Brainstorming: A Successful Start to the Day

But before diving into the celebrations, I had an important task at hand—discussing our FYP ideas with the teachers. My friends and I headed to our department with a mix of excitement and nervousness. We presented our ideas to the teachers, and our delight, they not only approved them but also provided valuable suggestions to enhance our projects. With their guidance, we felt even more confident about our FYPs.

Joining the Celebrations: A Day of Unity and Joy

With our academic tasks out of the way, it was time to join the celebrations. The event kicked off with the recitation of a Quranic verse, setting a peaceful and reflective tone. This was followed by a heartfelt poem recited by our Head of the CS Department, which beautifully captured the spirit of independence and freedom.

Next, the university president took the stage for a powerful speech. His words resonated with everyone, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our freedom and the responsibilities we carry as the future of this nation. He even shared another poem, penned by himself, which added a personal touch to the celebration.

One of the most exciting parts of the event was a quiz competition, testing our knowledge about Pakistan's history and independence. The enthusiasm among the students was palpable as we competed to answer questions. I managed to answer correctly and was thrilled to be rewarded with a cash prize!

Independence Day Cup: A Friendly Battle on the Field

After the quiz, the celebrations moved to the sports ground for the Independence Day Cup—a cricket match between the faculties of COCIS (College of Computing and Information Sciences) and COCOE (College of Engineering). The match was intense, filled with moments of laughter and friendly rivalry. In the end, COCIS emerged victorious, lifting the cup amidst cheers and applause. It was a moment of pride for our department, and the victory added an extra layer of joy to the day.

Cake Cutting Ceremony: A Sweet Finale

The celebration wouldn't have been complete without something sweet. Two beautifully decorated cakes were brought out, and everyone gathered around as they were cut. The cakes were delicious, adding a sweet touch to an already wonderful day. The speeches that followed were equally impactful, leaving us all with a sense of pride and determination to contribute positively to our country's future.

Wrapping Up: A Day Well Spent

After the celebration, we returned to our academic duties, discussing the remaining aspects of our FYP ideas with the other teachers. With the day’s activities coming to a close, we headed back home, our hearts full of patriotism and our minds buzzing with ideas for our projects.

Celebrating 14th August at the university was more than just a day of festivity—it was a reminder of the unity, freedom, and responsibility of being a part of this great nation. It was a day that strengthened our bond with our country and each other as students, future professionals, and, most importantly, Pakistanis.