Biggest gathering of Ex-Cadets in Sydney

Nawshad Shah: Ex-Cadets from 10 Cadets Colleges gathered at Lizard Log Park on 25th Sept (Sunday) for the biggest gathering of Ex-Cadets outside Bangladesh. About 700 members of the Ex-Cadets with their family celebrated the day “Cadets Day Out” with lots of fun, laughter, music, entertainment, food and unlimited adda. Reunion is a glorious event for the Ex-Cadets to re-bond, reflect and rejuvenate the old friends. It is the time when ex-cadets evoke the memories of their days and nights spent at Cadet College campus for six(6) long years.

This reunion also marks the formal launching of the Ex-Cadets platform “Ex-Cadets Forum Australia (ECFA)”. This is the 3rd Cadets Day Out gathering in Sydney after successful event held in 2005 and 2009. After months of planning, preparation, meetings and enthusiasm, Ex-Cadets arrived from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and many regional centres of NSW.

The highlights of the day was the parade by 10 Cadets Colleges and senior most Ex-Cadet (Mohiuddin bhai of FCC, HSC 1961) took the salute and inspected the parade. The parade was commanded by Maj (Rtd) Mesbah of RCC (1984). Dr Ayaz of MCC (1976) was the Adjutant and Nawshad Shah of MCC (1982) acted as vice Principal. The parade was well organised and enjoyed by the family members.

There were lots of games and activities for the kids and Ex-Cadets too. The kids enjoyed the day playing in the jumping castle.

After lunch, a variety and cultural program was held participated by the Ex-Cadets, family members of the Ex-Cadets and 8 Notes Band. Ex-Cadets performed in music, drama, poetry and jokes.

8 Notes band were the limelight of the show as they entertained the 700 guests with their melodious voice and instruments. Ehsan of MCC (1988) was the lead vocalist of the band and he entertained all with his voice. Risha of MCC (1988) conducted the program as MC.

Ex-Cadets spent the day mingled with their friends/seniors/juniors cutting jokes and remembering the good old days. This reunion also gives an opportunity to the families to know one another. A beautiful and full color souvenir was published on the occasion and complementary cap and t-shirts were distributed among the Ex-Cadets. Delicious food was supplied by Himalaya and yummy sweet from Bonoful. Various Australian local and BD media people were present to cover the event.

Prizes were distributed by Dr Masud of RCC (1972) among the winners in different categories. Special gifts were distributed as encouragement for all the inter-state Ex-Cadets, Girls Ex-Cadets of MGCC, Junior most Ex-Cadets and senior most Ex-Cadets.

The final attraction of the day was lucrative Raffle Draw prizes. Samsung Galaxy Tablet, Fitbit watch, Portable DVD player, Digital Photo Frame, Movie tickets, Blender, Popcorn machine, Deep fryer, Dinner tickets (various), Grocery vouchers (various), etc were the some attractions. Few Ex-Cadets sponsored the prizes. Nawshad of MCC (1982), Farhana Rifat of MGCC (1998), Asif Hossain of JCC (1981) conducted the raffle draw prizes among the rowdy Ex-Cadets.

Finally Dr Ayaz of MCC (1976) and Dr Masud of RCC (1972) thanked everyone for attending Cadets Day Out and appreciated all the volunteers who worked very hard to organise this Cadets Day Out for the past few months. The Ex-Cadets proved again that “ Once a Cadet always a Cadet” by participated whole heartedly and enjoyed the day by taking groups photos and selfies. It was a colourful day to be remembered in the days ahead. At the end, Ex_Cadets went home with lots of mementos, fun and memories to cherish and are looking forward to next time.

Long live Cadet fraternity.