Speaker Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta today inaugurated 2-DAY Red Cross Mela at Gulshan Ground, here.
The Speaker was accompanied by MLA Jammu East Rajesh Gupta, Divisional Commissioner, Dr Pawan Kotwal who is also the Chairman of Indian Red Cross Society Jammu Region, Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh, Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu Region R.C. Puri and other senior officers.The speaker went around each stall and appreciated the efforts put in by Red Cross volunteers and students from various schools and colleges in bringing varied elements to the mela. He also took part in many light games organised by the students.
Speaker thanked the Red Cross Society and congratulated them for organizing such an interactive event. A photo exhibition was also organised by the Red Cross Society displaying their various initiatives in the state. The Red Cross district office Rajouri displayed local products from the region in an effort to promote local crafts.A large number of people from the city and adjoining areas visited the mela. Featuring various facets of state in the form of art, culture, handicraft, tourism, food, etc, the spirit of carnival was well and alive at the venue.Display by the armed forces, para military forces, air force, and state police awakened the spirit of nationalism and an undercurrent of patriotism and pride in being Indian could be felt across the venue.
Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner highlighted the role of Red Cross as first responder in the state and informed the gathering about various initiatives being undertaken by the society like first aid training to local members especially from the border belt regions so as to save as many lives as possible. Talking about the Red Cross Mela, he said that the objective of this event is to support and strengthen Red Cross Movement by awareness and funds generation.
The mela also featured cultural performances by students groups, painting competition on the theme ‘Swachh Bharat’, poster exhibition on drug abuse & anti smoking among others. Weapons display by the Indian Army remained the most popular stall during today’s events.