ARMY PARAMOTORISTS, SARAGARHI LIGHT & SOUND SHOW DAZZLE AUDIENCES ON LAST DAY OF MLF MILITARY CARNIVAL

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 1, 2018: The incredible feats of airborne military paramotorists fired up the sky on the third and last day of the Military Carnival that awed audiences in the run-up to the much awaited Military Literature Festival, set to begin in the city on December 7.

The second Military Literature Festival would witness intense discussions on various facets of the contribution of the Indian armed forces towards nation building, besides offering a rare insight into the culture and ethos of the Indian Army. The inaugural festival held in 2017 had elicited all round appreciation from the defence and civil fraternity.

The concluding day of the Military Carnival also witnessed emotional scenes during the enactment of the iconic 1897 Saragarhi Battle with many amongst the huge gathering seen struggling to contain their tears.

Inspired by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh's book `Saragarhi and the Defence of the Samana Forts: The 36th Sikhs in the Tirah Campaign 1897-98’, on the historic battle, the

Light and Sound show performed against the backdrop of a digital set, showcased on a 50 feet LED screen.

The finale of the Military Carnival also saw the Army, NCC and city club contingents performing heart racing obstacles on well trained horses during the Equitation Tattoo. The demonstration of their horsemanship skills evoked palpable excitement in the stands, with armywoman Rittika Dahiya getting standing ovation as she immaculately marched past after saluting the Chief Guest.

Boldness of both the horse and the rider treated the audiences in the trick jumping. with Armymen flamboyantly clearing dangerous obstacles, including fire rings, motorbikes and jeeps.

In the six-bar show jumping, Subedar Ashok Kumar maneuvered his horse Oscar, displaying absolute grace and agility while clearing all fences.

Besides several retired Army officials, the show was attended by Senior Advisor to Punjab CM Lt. Gen. (Retd.) T S Shergill PVSM along with Major General Raj Purohit from Army Service Corps Western Command, Brigadier (Retd.) Pradeep Sharma and Colonel Rusnil Chahal.

Describing MLF as yet another product of Captain Amarinder Singh's visionary leadership, General Shergill urged authorities to organise more such events in the future to create the much-needed awareness about the rich legacy of our defence forces.

Also evoking a sense of amazement and pride amongst young and old were the collection of defence armaments on display at the Carnival, showcasing the technical prowess of the Indian Army’s artillery, armoured and engineering divisions. These marvels of the Indian Armed Forces ranged from the 2008 Commissioned T 90 tank, Sweden make Bofors Gun, Howitzers and Medium Machine Guns (MMGs), to the Quantum Sniffer used to identify explosives, and Non Linear Juncket Detectors. Another highlight was the amphibious Indian Combat Vehicle, which had played a significant role during the Kargil Battle.

A nukkad natak was also played by students of Yadvindra Public School highlighting various events to be held during the MLF from December 7 till 9, 2018.