By Marian Sharaf Joseph
It is an honor to be remembered by generations to come, especially when one has served in educational institutes, where children remember their beloved teachers and courteous helpers till the time they grow old. Lahore School of Arts and Sciences, on the day of its 22nd anniversary, paid tribute to its oldest and first employee, the Late Azeem Khan. It was no ordinary tribute to Azeem Khan; the evening was mesmerizing with music from the band Laal. Held at Alhamra Cultural Complex, Open Air – Qadaffi Stadium, the event was managed by none other than ‘one of the most organized event planners in town’ – Salina Rashid of Lotus Client Management and Public Relations.
Azeem Khan, a security guard, was the guardian of the school. As explained by the faculty at LACAS, “with his natural exuberance, deep sense of responsibility and traditional Pathan loyalty, he took it upon himself to be the guardian of the school’s discipline, reputation and smooth functioning, and generated warmth in all who came across him. In a sense he typified LACAS’ culture of egalitarianism and equality before the law.” The tribute to its legendary employee has added to the reputation of LACAS, by inculcating a sense of social responsibility within its student body and for encouraging learning through outdoor activities.
![Laal Live in concert [F]](http://www.ink-on-the-web.com/wp-content/uploads/Laal-Live-in-concert-F.bmp "Laal Live in concert [F]")
Since its establishment in 1987, LACAS has upheld its value and traditions with dignity and devotion. Nazi Qureshi – Director of LCAS at the occasion said, “Music, as they say, is a universal language – an educator. LACAS has always considered cultural education to be as vital to a child’s development as academic excellence. Today, LACAS is proud to invite their current students, faculty and alumni to salute the memory and legacy of the late Azeem Khan. For twenty years, no one walking through the gates of LACAS could miss him; he was always the one constant as the institution grew and evolved. Azeem Khan left an indelible mark in the lives of so many. ‘LAAL’s music speaks of social education through music and with three band members being LACAS alumni, we thought having the band live in concert to be a befitting tribute.’
In addition to this, LACAS made the right choice by choosing LAAL for this event. Inspired by Sufi music, their songs stirred spiritualism and emotions of patriotism within the audience. The voice, the music, and the showmanship even got the elder audience rocking. It was interesting to hear the guitarist and band member Taimur Rehman say, “Three members of our band are teachers and we feel very strongly about education. In fact, for us Laal is also a means for political and social education through music. The future of the country lies in education…”
Amidst political insecurity, it was great to see the enthusiasm of school kids, the courage of school faculty and LAAL’s exuberance, which put together, made this night so memorable. By the way, this LAAL concert night by LACAS, was my little son’s first concert. I am glad I took him along.
Thanks for a wonderful piece and while the comments on Lotus and myself are very very much appreciated i cannot take credit away from the LACAS music society along with the LACAS admin who were in fact, the real managers of the event
LACAS is an institution , where all positive activities take place , and that event was one of them , thank you so much for catching , the event with every detail, really appreciate your cheerful comments , I agree with Selina that LACAS music society and Admin are always the real managers of all such memorable events.