LUCKNOW, 03 SEP 2024
Armed Forces Festival is being organized by Surya Command at Lucknow Cantonment from 3 – 5 Sep 24. The highly anticipated three-day festival, unfolded on 3 Sep 2024 at Surya Khel Parisar in Lucknow Cantonment with great enthusiasm.
The inauguration ceremony on 3 Sep 24, graced by Shri Yogi Adityanath, Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, marked the commencement of three-day extravaganza. The occasion was further enriched by the enthusiastic participation of students from various schools and colleges, NCC cadets and citizens of Lucknow.
Audience of more than 8000 of all age groups and from all walks of life, was treated to a breath taking exhibition featuring a magnificent display of latest military equipment such as tanks, helicopters, artillery guns etc, developed as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat, showcasing might of technology driven Indian Armed Forces. Notable exhibits included T-90 tank (Main Battle Tank of Indian Army), K-9 Vajra self-propelled artillery gun, Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) Swathi, Sarvatra Bridge System, Counter IED equipment, models of ALH and LCH Prachand Helicopters, etc. The live displays showcased the capabilities of state-of-the-art equipment. Para drop and Combat demonstrations by Special Forces, Extraction of troops by helicopters, Para motors and Microlight flying, Horse & Dog show, and many other such captivating live displays, were key attraction of the event.
Indian Navy’s Band played the marshal tunes to enthral the spectators. As part of the Naval Pavilion, various stalls and displays were installed, showcasing three dimensional naval capabilities, Aatmanirbharta and recent innovations. The stalls included naval history by Maritime History Society, various models of Ships, Submarines and aircraft, diving equipment, outreach program for naval veterans, remote systems support, various latest communication and indigenous system and various career opportunities in the Indian Navy.
Flypast by Jaguar Fighter Aircrafts of Indian Air Force was viewed with great interest by the Generation next. Stalls of Indian Air Force featured an array of interactive exhibits including advanced aircraft models, simulation displays and information panels that highlighted its achievements, ongoing missions, and future aspirations. It also showcased its state of the art “Inducted Publicity Exhibition Vehicle”. The flying simulator of IPEV and synchronised display of weapon drill specially drew attraction of young minds.
The event also featured an array of informative counters for veterans served as valuable hub, offering resources, support and networking opportunity. The Zonal Recruiting organisation also provided opportunity for the youth to connect – providing insight into career opportunities and latest developments in military service.
The Chief Guest addressed the audience and complimented all three services and, Surya Command in particular, for organising the mega scale event. He extolled the students and NCC Cadets to draw inspiration from the Armed Forces. He expressed his confidence in the technologically advanced Armed Forces to defend the Nation against all odds and any enemy.
Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, GOC -in-C, Central Command presented a memento to the Honourable Chief Minister. The Chief guest later visited the displays by the three services, NCC, Recruitment and Resettlement Organisation and other stakeholders.
The festival shall continue till 05 Sep 24 from 10 AM to 6 PM for all citizens.
SHANTANU/DWARIKA/95/2024
