Army personnel stun Mysore with fascinating daredevil acts

Daijiworld Media Network
With DHNS inputs

Mysore, Sep 8: Citizens of Mysore and surrounding places were witness to stunning performances over the weekend, as army personnel showed their prowess with a number of daredevil acts. The occasion was the two-day Army Mela held at the Torchlight Parade Ground, Bannimantap here.

The valedictory was held on Sunday September 8. During the two days, the army personnel had the crowd watch them with fascination as they rode horses over hurdles, vroomed on bikes through fire and glass, and displayed various formations on the two-wheeler, and literally played with fire even as they hung from tall poles.

Performance by the military bands, Kalaripayattu by Madras Regiment, biking by 'Tornadoes' of Army Supply Corps, and Mallakamba by Maratha Light Infantry personnel had the crowd in high spirits. The spectators were mosty NCC cadets and students.

The major attraction at the exhibition was a 41.5 tonne tank, T-72. With a three-man crew, it can cruise at 60 kmph on highways, while managing a cool 35-45 kmph on cross country terrain.

Bailey bridge construction equipment and Medium Girder Bridge showed how these tools can build bridges anywhere for armymen and their machines to reach difficult terrains.

A 105 mm Light Field Gun, 23mm Anti Aircraft Gun with a firing rate of 1,600 to 2,000 rounds per minute apart from grenade launchers and machine guns attracted a large number of audience.

On Sunday, chief minister Siddaramaiah graced the valedictory and said that his government is committed to the cause of ex-servicemen's welfare and will provide them 10 percent reservation in jobs and housing schemes. He also said that a polyclinic will be set up for ex-servicemen and their families in each district to ensure that they get maximum healthcase benefits.

The CM also pointed out that as the armymen lead a life of discipline and are skilled, they should be hired by corporates more often after their retirement.

On the occasion, the CM felicitated the mothers and widows of soldiers who had died in the battlefield

Lt Gen V K Pillai, general officer commanding (Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka) and several other army officers were present.