Kohat (National Times) The ex-cadets of Cadet College Kohat came together to celebrate their association with the military institution for the last 60 years. The participants belonged to all entries of Kohatians who have studied at the Cadet College Kohat since 1965. The ex-cadets from the 1st entry of Cadet College in 1965 were also present. The recently passed out entry i.e. 56th entry was also present at the ceremony.
A number of cadets from Cadet College Kohat are serving civil and military branches of the government, engineering, media and business sectors. The ex-Kohatians include former governors, chief ministers, military commanders, businessmen and social workers across different regions. The most senior ex-cadets in participation included Major General Haroon Pasha, Lt. General Sabahat Hussain, Commodore Mahmood ur Rehman and Admiral Asif Sandila, former Chief of Naval Staff. Moreover, several senior military and government officials were also present who had studied at Cadet College Kohat.
The ceremony began with recitation of the holy Quran. It was followed by the national anthem and college anthem of Cadet College Kohat. Interestingly, the college anthem was written by famous poet and ex-cadet Ahmed Faraz. Later, the participants offered a prayer for all the Kohatians who had martyred during the service of the country. The ceremony moved forward with celebrating the achievements of different ex-cadets. They were given mementos of appreciation on behalf of Kohatian Association.
The event turned into an opportunity to recollect old memories for the ex-cadets. They were discussing stories from their college time from as early as 1965. Each cadet came up with how they transformed this college into what it is today. “It isn’t an ordinary institutions, it has changed lives of thousands of young students who were able to transform this great country,” claimed Major Retired Javed Rana from the first entry. He had been in the forefront during 1971 war against India.
“Once a Kohatian, Always a Kohatian” is coined on the basis of the unique ideology, connectivity and bonding amongst all the ex-cadets of Cadet College Kohat. It was evident during the gathering celebrating 60 years of college history. The Kohatians call their seniors at the college: bhaijan. The event was marked with the same spirit even after 60 years. Every senior that met here had their bhaijan, except the first entry. It was quiet an interesting meetup where a 70 year old retired General wood still call his college senior with the same spirit of bhaijan.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from the interim management of Kohatians Association. The ex-cadets also danced to the traditional tunes with their junior cadets until the 56th entry.
Kohation Association is a representative body of ex-cadets from Cadet College Kohat. The Association is registered under the charities regulations of Government of Pakistan. The charter of Kohations Association focuses on supporting Kohatians by connecting and networking, providing skills and institutional support as well as establishing an endowment fund for the college to support cadets with financial support. The elections are conducted through e-voting system which also incorporates online donations management system.