GUWAHATI, Oct 24 � A grand Army Mela and Ex-servicemen Rally was organised today at Judges Field here by 51 Sub Area under the aegis of 101 Area of the Army.
The event was aimed at strengthening the bond between the local people and the Army and showcasing the multifaceted images of the Army to motivate the youth of the region to join the Armed Forces. This Mela also provided a platform to the ex-servicemen of North East region for addressing their welfare and amelioration of their hardships.
Governor JB Patnaik was the chief guest of the event that was attended by senior Army and civil dignitaries, prominent citizens and school/college students of areas in and around Guwahati.
An exhibition was held to demonstrate state-of-the-art weapons and technical equipment of the Indian Army. The artillery, air and ground defence systems were displayed. People were arranged to see the 105 mm Indian Field Gun, IGLA missile system, ZU-23 2B gun, 120mm Mortar, Anti-tank Guided Missiles, 84mm Rocket Launcher, Battle Field Surveillance Radar, 81 mm Mortar, night vision devices and various other weapons and equipment. The crowd was overwhelmed by equipment of Engineers, Signals, Army Supply Corps and Electronics and Mechanical Engineers.
The Mela also witnessed breathtaking sky diving display from a Para Special Force Unit. An ALH helicopter was used for sky diving and also to perform a fly-past. A number of other interesting events like Lezium dance of Maharashtra, dog show and band display by Army personnel added to the grandeur of the Mela. NCC cadets also left the crowd awestruck with Bihu dance and aero modeling.
The Mela also featured different awareness and assistance stalls to familiarise the populace and extend help to the ex-servicemen. Rajyik Sainik Board organised the registration of veterans to update their records. Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Service Scheme, Army Welfare Housing Organization and Directorate General Resettlement stalls were established to help out ex-servicemen to complete their pending documentation.
NCC cadets also established their stall to motivate the young children to join the Army. Stalls of Army Public School, Narangi, Army Institute of Nursing (AIN), Army Placement Agency, Eastern Naval Command and Sainik School, Goalpara also attracted the crowds. These stalls showcased various welfare schemes and educational facilities offered by Indian Army. A medical checkup was also organised for veterans by Army Base Hospital.
