Raipur: Armed Forces Outreach Programme was inaugurated at Raipur by Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh on October 05, 2024 in a spectacular ceremony held at Science College Ground, Raipur.
Lt Gen Padam Singh Shekhawat, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding Madhya Bharat Area, Brigadier Aman Anand, VSM, Commander Chhattisgarh & Odisha Sub Area and senior serving & retired officers from Defence Services, Ministers from the State Government, Chief Secretary & Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh and senior officers from Civil Administration were present during the event. Over 1000 serving & retired defence personnel were also present during the outreach programme.
Over 8000 jubilant spectators were mesmerised by splendid performances by the Daredevil Bike Riders from 1 Signal Training Jabalpur, Equestrian performance by NCC Cadets & students from Dantewada and spectacular performances by the Pipe & Brass Bands from Grenadiers Regiment Centre, 39 Gorkha Regiment Centre & 1 Signal Training Centre Jabalpur. Fly past by mighty MI-17 V5 Helicopter, demonstration on raid by Ghatak Platoons from 6/11 Gorkha Rifles, 1 ASSAM & 50 (I) Para Brigade & display of drones created great awe and excitement in the audience.
T-90 Tank (Bhishma), Infantry Combat Vehicle, AAD Guns & Weapons of Infantry & Special Forces amongst many other weapons & equipment were displayed for public viewing and were very well received by visibly thrilled visitors.
The primary objective of this outreach programme is to Inspire the youth to join the Indian Army and serve the nation, showcase the Indian Army's prowess and capabilities, foster nationalism and patriotism amongst the people and strengthen civil-military relations. For motivating and assisting the students from the State, ARO Raipur & NCC Group Headquarters Chhattisgarh had also set up stalls which gathered much traction and interest. Rajya Sainik Board Chhattisgarh had also set up a stall for assistance of military veterans from the State.
In his address the Chief Minister thanked the Indian Army for organising the event in Chhattisgarh and exhorted the youth from the State for serving the Nation by Joining the defence services. He urged GOC MB Area to conduct the Armed Forces Outreach Programme in Chhattisgarh, every year. Lt Gen Padam Singh Shekhawat, GOC Madhya Bharat Area, thanked the CM for giving the Indian Army the opportunity to organise the event and assistance & support provided by the civil administration for conducting the event at a very big scale. During the ceremony mementoes were also exchanged between the CM & GOC Madhya Bharat Area. On the request made by the CM the event has been extended by another day.
The event will now continue for next two days to facilitate witnessing by maximum youth and public of the State.
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