Army celebrates Republic Day in Arunachal Pradesh

The week long events finally culminated on the momentous day with the Flag Hoisting and Military Equipment Displays at a number of locations in Kameng Sector.

The celebrations commenced on Jan 20, when a Mass Band Display comprising four Military Pipe bands from Tenga Military station was organized at the picturesqe Tenga Valley, witnessed by Hundreds of Army men, their families, School Children and the locals.

Next in line was an informative and attractive military equipment display at the valley on Jan 23, with a large impressive inventory of the equipment showcased to the service personnel and their families, locals and school children from majority of the schools from Tenga Valley.

The dynamic displays, especially of the Bofors Guns, attracted maximum crowds, including school children. Station Commander, Brig Akashdeep Bhanot was also present among the visitors  at the venue.

The momentous day of Jan 26 saw a large number of events organized at multiple venues.

Tezpur based Defence PRO said that, Tenga Valley witnessed the day starting with a Mini Marathon, organized for army men and their families with participation of almost  600 runners. Besides conduct of the Republic Day function by Civil Administration at Tawang, the Tawang Brigade organized an impressive Equipment and  Mass Band Display, witnessed by locals & the school children.

To add to the glory and importance of the Day, a Celebratory Border Personnel Meeting between the Indian and the Chinese armies was held at New Maitree Sthal, Bum La to Commemorate the occasion.

The event was attended by Military Delegations from the two sides and the Civilians including children.

In a traditional ceremony lasting three hours, the guests were extended the impressive Indian care and hospitality.

The celebrations included unfurling of National Flag, National Anthem, a group photo, official welcome, exchange of souvenirs, followed by a cultural program, informal interaction and a Banquet lunch.

Back home in the hinterland at Tenga Valley Functions were organized all through the day at a number  of schools. The celebrations finally culminated with the Republic Day Cricket tournament Finals played between the Army and the local team, putting forth the ideal Civil Military bonhomie in the sector, an example worth emulating by rest of the country.

On the other hand, the Indian army deployed along the China border had also celebrated the Republic Day with the Chinese army.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)