PESHAWAR: In accordance with the traditions of Islamia College University, the 36th annual chrysanthemum exhibition was opened on the main lawns adjacent to the office of vice-chancellor with charming floral patterns.

Around 75 varieties of chrysanthemum have been displayed at the exhibition where floral models of the building of Islamia College and national flag giving a magnificent look cast a magical impact on the visitors.

The members of KP Floral Art Horticulture Society (FAHS) turned up and reviewed various floral models of the chrysanthemum exhibition. They appreciated the efforts of the experts and administration of ICU for arranging such an event despite fear of pandemic spread.

Akbar Amin, the administrative officer of ICU, said that according to the directives of Higher Education Commission and health department, the exhibition would be opened for public view on Thursday (today) with strict discipline.

Prof Jehan Bakht, the acting vice-chancellor of ICU, will inaugurate the exhibition formally where visitors will be allowed to enjoy a look of the flowers in a group of 30 as per the standard operating procedure from 8:30 am to sunset.

Families, dignitaries, students and flower buffs would be invited to catch worth seeing moments of the display.

Ali Hoti, member of the chrysanthemum administrative committee, told this scribe that the annual exhibition of the wonderful flower went on display but would be opened for public on Thursday. He said that arrangements were made to make the event a success amid the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic.

Prof Izhar, chief of the Botanical Society of ICU, said that owing to worrisome situation of the ongoing Covid-19, a few at the helm of affairs were reluctant to allow chrysanthemum exhibition but he and his colleagues were of the view that such an event shouldn’t missed out.

He said that chrysanthemum exhibition had already become a trade mark of Islamia College and helped them to revive their golden traditions. “The display in itself is a great source of inspiration and gives us a hope to realise that flowers and plants play a significant role in our everyday life. It also sends out a strong message to people to grow, protect and love flora and fauna of the area for life giving environment,” he added.

Javed Khan Chacha, head gardener of ICU, said that he and his 65 colleagues worked day and night to give a wonderful look to the chrysanthemum display.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2020