Two-day 'Know Your Army' fair inaugurated at Mahendra Ground in Garhi

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Golden Key division, Major General SC Mohanty inaugurated a two-day ‘Know Your Army’ fair at Mahendra Ground located in Garhi Cant area on Friday.  Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Maj Gen Mohanty said that the objective of such fairs is that the children and students get to know about the army.

He hoped that the fair would be appreciated by the students and many among them would make armed forces as their profession. A combined military band display during the opening ceremony drew applause from those attending the function.

large number of students of different schools of city visited the fair on the first day of the fair. They seemed to be impressed with the discipline of army personnel and were awestruck by the weaponry displayed on the occasion. Rajat Kandwal a class VIII student of Baluni Public School said, “The display of arms in the fair is very good and inspirational. It is my dream to serve the country by joining the armed forces of the country and the visiting the fair is definitely a big boost for me.’’ 

Shashank Dubey, a college student said that visiting the stall depicting the recruitment process of officers in the army was an enlightening experience. The girls too were not far behind the boys in attending the fair with enthusiasm. 

Namita Rawat a Class X student and resident of Dharampur said, “I talked with some women army officers on Friday and they told me how girls like me can don the olive green outfit of the army. Today I along with two of my classmates have made up our mind to join the armed forces.’’ The weapons particularly T -72 tanks, hand held thermal imagers, INSAS rifles, Dragunor Sniper rifle, battle field surveillance radar, rocket launchers, 81 mm mortar and flame launchers displayed on the occasion evinced keen interest of visitors particularly students. One of a senior officer of army associated with fair said that by holding such fairs the common people come to know about its armed forces.

Apart from the students common people also appeared enthused by wonderful display of arms and overall discipline. “We are proud of our army and the entire nation is behind its armed forces personnel who don’t hesitate to sacrifice their lives for our safety.  Such fairs provide a platform to give an insight into the life of army personnel and equipment they use. The Fair would definitely inspire the youth to join army,’’ said Narendra Sharma a teacher by profession.