The hair-raising feats of military horse riders and amateur 4×4 off-roaders set the heart pounding on the final day of the Military Carnival that awed audiences in the run-up to the much-awaited third Military Literature Festival (MLF), set to commence in the city from December 13 onwards.
The three-day annual gala Military Literature Festival would facilitate panoramic view of the diverse martial and cultural ethos of our gallant defence forces besides providing a forum for liberal and inclusive expression of literary thought, views and reflections on issues of both national and regional significance.
MLF, the joint initiative of Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore in collaboration with Western Command, has steadily earned brand presence in the region by successfully promoting core military ethos of camaraderie, valour, leadership and integrity amongst youngsters. Over 65,000 visitors witnessed the Fest the previous year registering whopping 500 percent increase in attendance.
Scintillating rider-horse coordination during the Equitation Tattoo set the pulse racing at the fully packed arena at Chandigarh’s Rajendra Park Grounds. The demonstration of adept horsemanship skills by Army, Punjab Armed Police (PAP) and young riders of Western Command Equestrian Node evoked palpable excitement in the stands, with joint army contingent led by Naib Subedar Kamal Singh getting standing ovation as they immaculately marched past after saluting the chief guest.
In the six-bar show jumping, cynosure of all eyes were Suhani Jamwal, the youngest and only female rider who maneuvered her horse, displaying absolute grace and agility while clearing all fences garnering boisterous cheer and applause.
Carnival Finale also enthralled spectators with daredevil acts of amateur 4×4 jeep and bike off-roaders who mesmerized with their obstacle tackling skills in negotiating articulation and slush pits, excel breaker and small man made ditches at the specially curated two and a half acre course.
The events held on Sunday with assistance from Army Adventure Cell are aimed at showcasing Army's off-roading expertise with a greater goal to attract youth towards Defence Forces.
Also evoking a sense of awe and pride, especially amongst youngsters, was the Weapons Display at the Carnival, exhibiting the artillery, armoured and engineering marvels of Indian Armed Forces ranging from Automatic Grenade Launcher, INSAS Rifle, besides the bridge laying Pantoon Mushtwa Supernova and Anti Aircraft L 70 Guns.
In another attraction, expert canines from various Army Dog units including the Remount Veterinary Corps Centre and College, Meerut and the NSG enthralled audiences during the Dog Show. The scintillating synchronization between the Master and trained dogs captivated the audiences especially the youngsters who at times were seen bursting with amazement.
Chief of Staff Western Command Lt. Gen. Gurpal Singh Sangha was the Chief Guest during the closing ceremony who attended the horse and dog show along with Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Lt General TS Shergill (retired).
Describing MLF as yet another product of Capt Amarinder’s visionary leadership, Lt General Sangha expressed confidence that such events would create the much-needed awareness about the rich legacy of our defence forces.
