How well do you know your country’s army? Now, the Indian Army is offering the people of the city a grand opportunity to know what one of the world’s biggest fighting forces is all about.
The ‘Army Mela’, the Army’s initiative to take it closer to the people, is returning to Thiruvananthapuram after a gap of four years. The Central Stadium in the city will host the event from November 6 to 8, Army officials said.
‘’It is designed to showcase the Army’s prowess and includes some adventure activities as well. We hope to generate awareness about our activities through this initiative,’’ Brigadier Pradeep Narayanan, Station Commander, Pangode Military Station, said.
An exhibition of military equipment, including weapons, displays by the Army’s motorcycle stunt teams and skydiving are some of the events planned, Pradeep Narayanan said. Defence Minister A K Antony and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy are expected to attend the Army Mela along with Army top brass.
If things go as planned, the Army hopes to conduct it regularly in different parts of the state. ‘’It was in 2008 that the event was last held in Thiruvananthapuram. Last year, we organised it in Kannur. We hope to make it a regular affair, but with changes in the venues,’’ according to Pradeep Narayanan.
Originally planned from October 4 to 6, the Mela was postponed owing to technical hitches. The Army had also requested the state government for help to conduct the event in terms of venue and other basic infrastructure. Welfare activities for ex-service personnel, such as pension adalats, are planned alongside the Army Mela in Thiruvananthapuram, Army officials said.