Army Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Thursday. In a statement issued to CNS, Army said that it is celebrated to respect the Lieutenant General of India, K. M. Cariappa who was the first Indian Army’s Commander-in-Chief. It is celebrated every year at all the Army Command headquarters and national capital by organizing army parades including many other military shows.To commemorate 67th Army Day a series of initiatives and welfare activities, to honour the gallant soldiers of the army and civilians who made supreme sacrifice for the country, were carried out by the Chinar Corps at different places. All across the valley, people, Army and the Army veterans actively took part in various events and rallies.
Chinar Corps statement stated that numerous functions panning across the Valley were organised in the interest of the people of Kashmir, by various Army units. The functions and events had something or the other for every section of the society starting from children to the women and elders. There were Know Your Army Awaami Melas, sports fixtures, competitions on quiz and cultural events at Avantipura, Baramulla, Panzgam, Budgam and Uri. Army’s unconditional service to the Nation and the people of Valley was duly rewarded by the enthusiasm shown by the people, who participated in large numbers.
In an effort to reach out to the Awaam of South Kashmir which was badly affected by the floods in September 2014, a mega Mela event was organised by the Army based at Khanabal which is famously known as `Chillay Kallan Mela’. Approximately 1500 people from areas of South Kashmir participated in the Mela. A variety of activities were organised in the mela such as Medical and Veterinary camp , Sports activities for the children, Awareness stalls by the Banking and Insurance sectors and Youth Guidance Node by the local Rashtriya Rifle unit. Army also gave a very pleasant and welcome surprise by presenting numerous amenities such as mattresses, kero heaters, chairs and other vocational aids to the needy Awaam.
Army also reached out to its veterans and war widows. On this occasion, numerous Ex Servicemen Rallies were organised by the formations of the Chinar Corps. The three prominent ones were at Kupwara, Kuligam, Rangret by Territorial Army, Rashtriya Rifle Unit and JAKLI Centre, and Baramulla by Infantry unit. A total of 540 Ex Servicemen, War Widows and children attended the Rally at Kupwara, Kuligam and Ragret where as there was a strength of over 430 in the Baramulla Rally. On the sidelines of the Rally, medical camps, children painting competitions, Canine show and Band display was organised for the benefit and entertainment of the veterans.
An equipment display was organized by the Army under the Aegis of Chinar Air Defence Brigade at Khundru for the locals especially school children to commemorate the Army day. A great enthusiasm was exhibited by the locals in seeing the Army weapons and equipment laid out and interacting with the Army personnel. A large No of students, their parents and locals of Khundru and nearby villages participated in the event.People of all age groups and genders have turned up in large number and participated with great enthusiasm and zeal making these events a huge success. The Chinar Corps will organize a series of initiatives and welfare activities for the Awaam all across the valley and will be spread over entire month of January 2015 to honour the gallant soldiers of the army and civilians who made supreme sacrifice for the country, in a run up of 67th Army Day 2015.
In an another event at Khundru, Army in its endeavour to assist and empower people of Kashmir, distributed 12 Computers with accessories to school teachers and 250 chairs to community hall of Khundru, in a ceremony organized by 31 Sub Area under the aegis of 15 Corps. While interacting with the beneficiaries during the function army assured that all necessary help will be provided to them so as to help them lead a successful and happy life. The function was attended by Sarpanches and School Teachers from nearby villages. (CNS) (Photographs attached)