Hayaan Firdous
Uri, Nov 08: Uri Awami Mela, a multi spectrum platform for welfare of the local populace of Uri Tehsil was organized by Army Garrison, Uri on 08 Nov 2017.
Uri Awami Mela was inaugurated by Major General R P Kalita, General Officer Commanding, Dagger Division. The event aimed at bringing various facilities offered by government and army at common venue to assist the Awam of the small border town. The facilities included on the spot loans by banks where loans of more than 75 Lakh were sanctioned on spot by SBI, J&K Bank, Gramin bank. Information and awareness counters of State Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal husbandry, Women Empowerment department, Zila Sainik Welfare, DPDO, ARO, ECHS, ITI etc were also erected at the event.
A Mega Medical Camp was also organised in association with Social Welfare Dept of state where wheelchairs and various physical aids were distributed to differently-abled persons of the border areas.
To strengthen the affinity and foster the understanding between Awam and Army, various kinds of equipment under the theme “Know your Army” were showcased for general public. “For the talented and spirited youth of the town, the event catered for “Job Fair” for providing information on job related queries including enrolment into Indian Army.
Udaan, Quest, Bombay barbeque hospitality service selected 20 local youth in their services. The mela gave an opportunity to experience myriad flavours of the Kashmir valley through Uri Haat and Amusement Park.
The final match of Volleyball League and Tug of War was also organised. Teams of Dhanni sayida won tug of war and gingle won the volleyball league. The Mela was witnessed by the Chief Guest, DIG north Kashmir, SSP Baramulla, Dr Shajad Shafi, Haji Masadak and other prominent leaders of the district and the locals of the town.
In its course of activities, the mela gave an opportunity to the local talents who performed in various traditional and cultural programs highlighting the great cultural heritage of Kashmir.
A vast variety of cuisines from different parts of the nation was a major take away. An enthusiastic performance by the well trained dog of Army Dog Unit left the crowd mesmerized.
Major General R P Kalita interacted with the youth during the mela and felicitated the winners of Volleyball League, Tug of War and various competitions. Civil porters working with army were awarded for their hard work and contribution. He also interacted with the 15 selected cricket players who represented Uri, during Uri – Pune Friendship Trophy held in the month of Sep at Pune in association with Aseem Foundation.
The General officer congratulated the large gathering on making Uri Mela a grand success.
There was huge participation of more than ten thousand people including many prominent personalities of the valley. The amount of goodwill and brotherhood yielded in Awam of Uri is immeasurable and unquantifiable and will surely be another milestone in ensuing peace and harmony in the region.