STATE TIMES NEWS
RAJOURI : The ‘Rajouri Liberation Day’ was celebrated jointly by the army and civil administration on Wednesday by organising a series of functions in the town. Rajouri was liberated on this day in 1948 from the intruders who had infiltrated from across the border.
The celebrations commenced with inauguration of Ex-Servicemen Assistance Centre at ALG on 11th Apr 2016 by Major General D.A Chaturvedi, SM, GOC Ace of Spades Division. On the same day, a Photo Exhibition, Weapon Exhibition, Health Awareness Camp, Dental, Eye and Artificial Limb Camp were also inaugurated. A painting Competition was also conducted for children from various schools of Rajouri. To motivate the youth of Rajouri lectures were organised on 11th and 12th April by decorated army officers, for various schools and colleges, besides visit to the Hall of fame.
The series of events conducted as part of Rajouri Liberation Day culminated on 13th April 2016 at ALG with a grand event to commemorate the occasion. On this day, to pay homage to the brave citizens of Rajouri who had sacrificed their lives for its liberation, a wreath laying ceremony was conducted at Gujjar Mandi Chowk Memorial. The wreaths were laid by the Chief Guest Lieutenant General R.R Nimbhorkar, Corps Commander with other prominent army and civil dignitaries in attendance. The Chief Guest visited the Photo Exhibition, Medical, Dental and Artificial Limb Camp where he distributed artificial limbs, eye kits, wheelchairs and modified scooters to the locals and ex-servicemen. He also visited Ex-Servicemen Assistance Centre which was in place since 11th April 2016 and met several ex-servicemen who had benefitted from the same.
Prominent citizens of Rajouri, Kuldeep Raj Gupta, Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board, MoS and Gulzar Chaudhary commenced the cultural programme by welcoming all present and highlighted the significant role played by the Indian Army in liberation of Rajouri. Cultural events by locals and school children highlighting the Spirit of Rajouri kept the audience spellbound with their scintillating performance. Lazium, Malkhamb, Khukri dance and Gatka were presented by army personnel. The Chief Guest felicitated the Veer Naris present on the occasion. Also, prizes were distributed to various school children for their excellent performances.
Tornado Motorcycle Team, Paramotor Display, Sky Diving from a height of 7,000 feet, Equestrian and Dog Show proved to be the show stoppers of the event. Towards the end, a high tea was organised for all the guests present on the occasion.
