The Army kicked off the Pir Panjal Winter Festival in Poonch on Sunday, setting the stage for wide array of sports and cultural spectacles spread over next two months. “This festival is a testament to the Army’s unwavering commitment to…

The Army kicked off the Pir Panjal Winter Festival in Poonch on Sunday, setting the stage for wide array of sports and cultural spectacles spread over next two months.
“This festival is a testament to the Army’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, cultural preservation and social reformation, particularly in advocating it commitment against drug abuse,” said Defense spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal.
The festival encompasses a variety of sports and cultural events, including
Under-25 boys cricket tournament, Under-25 boys and Under 21 girls volleyball tournament, open Kho-Kho Tournament (for girls), Gujari and pahari folk dance performances with music and dance talent hunt, solo and group singing competitions, science and arts exhibitions, painting, essay writing and elocution competitions.
Loaded: 1.01%Fullscreen
“This initiative serves as a catalyst for fostering sportsmanship, cultural renaissance and holistic development among the youth, particularly those hailing from remote and marginalised communities of Poonch. The overwhelming response from the enthusiastic populace of Poonch underscores the profound reverence and camaraderie shared between the community and the Indian Army,” the spokesperson said.
He said that beyond mere festivities, the Pir Panjal Winter Festival embodies a transformative movement, inspiring young minds to eschew the perils of substance abuse and channel their energies toward constructive, life-affirming pursuits.