Jorhat, Jan. 20: The Army today celebrated ‘Know Your Army’ mela with the spirit of Republic Day and to attract youths towards the three forces of Army, Navy and Air Force.
The mela was inaugurated by 41 Sub Area, Jorhat Military Station officiating GOC Brigadier Ravi Kumar Gupta at the Jorhat District Sports Association (JDSA) ground here.
Brigadier Gupta called upon the youths to interact with Army personnel and know how they fight for the security of the nation to keep it safe.
He called upon the young generation to choose Army as an elite career option where one can serve the nation during peace time, emergency and disaster situations.
The GOC also spoke about the career option for female eligible candidates to join Army which gives them a career option in the official category.
Several hundred students from schools, colleges and from Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat Medical College, Assam Agricultural University and Women University took part in the mela and saw various displays such as infantry weapons, machine guns, long range mortars, tanks and field artillery guns.
Also showcased was an array of weapons and equipment used by the special forces, commandos, state-of-the-art radio communication devices and parachutes for dropping supplies in forward areas.
Special weapons of para commandos were a centre of attraction for the students.
A special show by the Army’s dog unit showed the intelligence of dogs in obeying their masters during hours of emergency.
The Army band also gave a scintillating performance playing patriotic and popular tunes during the day-long occasion.
The mela was instrumental in igniting the spirit of patriotism and nationalistic pride in the hearts and minds of the student fraternity and also motivated the youth to choose Army as a career option, defence sources added.
