Indian Army organised various events to mark Army Day and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav across the valley

Aadil Akbar

@JournalistAadil

Srinagar: India is celebrating the 74th Army Day throughout the country. The occasion is celebrated on January 15 every year to honour the soldiers of the nation, who have set the greatest example of selfless service and brotherhood and more than anything the love for the country. The Indian Army organised various events across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to mark its Foundation Day on Saturday.

To commemorate the occasion of ‘Indian Army Day’ & ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, and with an aim to motivate youth, students and girls to join Indian Army and take the valley towards the path of development, peace and tranquillity, the Indian Army’s Zorawar Garrison, Gujjarpatti organised various events across the Lolab valley. The events were held keeping in mind the Covid-19 protocols to include safety distance and minimum gathering as per government orders and adherence to wearing of masks. 

The highlights of the event were “Weapon and Equipment Display” at Krusan, “Painting and drawing Competition” at Dherian for children with the theme – I Love Indian Army, “Ex-serviceman Meet” at Varnau to honour contribution of veterans in nation building, “Patriotic Song Singing Competition” for youth at Rednag to remember sacrifices of our brave soldiers, “Workshop on Career Opportunities in Indian Army for Youth including Girls” at Markul and “Tiranga and National Integration Rally with Drug awareness Campaign” at Chandigam.

The “Weapons and Equipment Display” which was organised at Krusan drew the maximum attention of the youth and girls as they witnessed such display for the first time. Various display points were set up to give detailed information about the weapons and equipments of Indian Army.

The stalls of small arms, surveillance equipment, engineering equipment, Communication equipment, Informative stall on Army Recruitment and an informative stall for various Officer’s Entry Schemes to Join Indian Army including Women Entry Schemes were some attractions of the grand event. Officers were seen giving demonstrations to people, thereby giving the youth an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the modernised military equipment.

The Army Day Celebrations witnessed immense exuberance and response from the local population including school children, youth, girl students and prominent people including politicians and government officials from the region.

Nagradnar Army Camp held Army Day celebrations with local children

As a part of the Army Day celebrations, the Nagradnar Army Camp celebrated the Army Day with a program “A Day with Coy Commander” (Coy – Company) with children at the Camp. About 65 local children participated in various games & activities held amidst the snow-clad mountains.

The event started with various fun games; entertainment & sports activities followed by an interactive session with the Company Commander wherein the children were provided with an insight view about the Army personnel’s life. 

The Army Day celebration witnessed some enthusiastic participation by the children wrapped in camaraderie, joy and togetherness with the Indian Army. The event concluded with light refreshments and prize distribution to the winners.

Indian Army organised weapons and equipment display at Chak-Kigam as part of Army Day celebrations

Military display of weapons has been a way to instil a sense of pride and faith in the custodians of national security among the hearts and minds of the citizens.  It is also a platform to infuse patriotic vibes & bolster public support. The Indian Army is taking active steps in showcasing its military might through multiple events.  

To mark the 74th Army Day, Indian Army organised an exclusive weapon and equipment display for youth of Kandi-Kigam bowl on Saturday. Youth turned up with high spirits and morale to participate in the event from various localities of Kupwara District. 

In addition to the display, visitors were informed about the significance of freedom and were motivated to join Indian Armed Forces.

Indian Army Day 2022 celebration held at Magam

Meanwhile, the 74th Army Day was celebrated by the Indian Army along with the local population at Magam, wherein various events like Sack Race, Musical Chairs, Painting Competition, Basketball and ‘Judo Martial Arts’ display by budding talents, were organised for school children.

About 46 school children and two Sarpanches attended the programme which kickstarted with a brief Introduction about the Army Day to the young minds.

The children were also briefed about covid awareness and proper Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) and an urge to strictly follow these guidelines was made to them along with spreading awareness amongst the peers and society.