An Important Social Event

Social events are of different kinds and each occasion has a different degree of importance, varying from person to person. One of the social events I had to attend, of importance to me was a formal dinner in honour of the Chief of Air Staff.

The Armed forces have a unique social life which no other organization can come close to. Discipline does have its charm. First of all, all functions here begin dot on time. Punctuality is the keyword. The Officers are immaculately dressed in the given dress code and there are a number of formal attires! The ladies are attired in saris on formal occasions and they look stunning and elegant. Everything is laid out perfectly, the sequence of events known to all. The Chief Guest arrives, in this case, the Air Chief and the first lady. We then get turns to move up and talk to the couple and not a single person is left out. It is well orchestrated so that there is no awkwardness for anybody. After an hour long conversation and two rounds of drinks, dinner is announced. This is a sit down dinner for which there are rules which everyone is well aware of. I always feel a thrill on such occasions. The band plays beautifully while we eat. Once the meal and formal part is done with we move in to the Ante room for coffee.

I am not a crowd loving person but the parties I have attended in the Indian Air Force are indeed a class apart. Social events can be very pleasurable indeed!