Our Correspondent

Jalandhar, September 28

To commemorate the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, a two-day programme was celebrated here today at three places to spread awareness among the youth and the masses regarding what the Army had been doing on the borders and how people are living peacefully.

The two-day programme has been organised by the Ministry of Outreach Bureau, under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Army.

The event was organised at three places — at Curo High Street Mall inaugurated by Lt Gen Dushyant Singh, Commander, 11 Corps of the Army; at MBD Neopolis, in association with the Sikh Light Infantry; and at Jawahar Park, Mall Road, Jalandhar Cantt.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Jalandhar, Jitendra Jorwal, and Commanding Officer Col Prashant Aggarwal, along with other senior officers of the Corps, attended the programmes.

The Vajra Corps carried out day-long activities such as pipe and jazz band display and video presentations. Weapons and other equipment such as rocket launchers and AK-47 were also displayed, which were the major attraction for youngsters.

A video was also showcased at the MBD Mall, highlighting why the Army was among the toughest job.

Besides, at Curo Mall, a photo exhibition on the topics ‘Sankalp se Siddhi’, the struggle of the Indian Independence, youth power for the development of the country, women’s empowerment, healthy India and Government’s commitment for social justice was also held.

Lt Gen Dushyant Singh said: “Through such events, a message is passed on to society that progress can only be made if boundaries of a country are safe.”

He said, “Such programmes increased the close interaction with the public and the young generation get inspiration to join the Army, adding that the country was safe and secure till the Army is present.”

A special ‘selfie corner’, where small weapons were installed, was the major attraction. A youth, Kamaldeep Singh, donning an Army t-shirt said: “Its being a great honour to be present here today and learning about various equipment as well as life of Army personnel.”

An information desk was set-up to motivate the youth to join the Army.

People of all age groups, a large number of NCC cadets and schoolchildren visited the venue.

Deputy Director of Regional Outreach Bureau Anuj Chandak, Field Outreach Bureau’s Deputy Director Pritam Singh and Assistant Director Sapna, besides other officials, were among those others present.