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Armed Forces Outreach Programme was inaugurated by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday in a ceremony held at Science College Ground, Raipur.
Over 8000 spectators were present at the event. Performances were given by the Daredevil Bike Riders from 1 Signal Training Jabalpur, NCC Cadets and students from Dantewada and spectacular performances by the Pipe and Brass Bands from Grenadiers Regiment Centre, 39 Gorkha Regiment Centre and 1 Signal Training Centre Jabalpur. Fly past by MI-17 V5 helicopter, demonstration on raid by Ghatak Platoons from 6/11 Gorkha Rifles, 1 ASSAM & 50 (I) Para Brigade, and display of drones was conducted. T-90 Tank (Bhishma), Infantry Combat Vehicle, AAD Guns and Weapons of Infantry and Special Forces, amongst many other weapons and equipment, were displayed for public viewing. 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 among the people and strengthen civil-military relations. To motivate and assist the students from the state, ARO Raipur and NCC Group Headquarters Chhattisgarh 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 to serve the nation by joining the defence services. He urged the 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 allowing the Indian Army to organise the event and for assistance & support provided by the civil administration for conducting the event on a very large 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 the next two days to facilitate witnessing by maximum youth and the public of the state. Lt Gen Padam Singh Shekhawat, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding Madhya Bharat Area, Brigadier Aman Anand, VSM, Commander Chhattisgarh & Odisha Sub Area, senior serving and retired officers from Defence Services, Ministers from the State Government, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh and senior officers from Civil Administration were present during the event. Over 1000 serving and retired defence personnel were also present during the outreach programme. (ANI)
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