Aadil Abdullah
Bandipora, 02 Mar: On a bright, sun-kissed afternoon following a fresh snowfall, the Indian Army’s Rana Battalion, stationed in Bagtore near the Line of Control (LOC) in the Gurez Valley of Bandipora district, organized a spirited Snow Craft Competition. The event, held at the High Ground Bagtore area, brought immense joy and excitement to the local children.
The competition witnessed a surge of enthusiastic participation, with approximately 40 to 50 boys and girls engaging in a variety of traditional and snow-based games. The children’s energy was palpable as they participated in Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, and Snow Races, categorized by age groups. Demonstrating their patriotism, the children also wrote “I Love India” and “I Love Bharat” in the pristine snow.
The primary objective of the event was to unearth the hidden talents of the local youth while fostering a strong sense of patriotism among them. The Indian Army’s initiative aimed to strengthen the bond between the military and the community, creating a positive and engaging environment for the children of this remote border area.
Local children expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the Army’s efforts. “It was a great initiative by the Indian Army. Such events bring joy and give us an opportunity to celebrate,” one participant stated. Another student added, “The Army always remains at the forefront in engaging locals in games and creating opportunities for us. We are thankful to them for organizing such competitions.”
Residents echoed these sentiments, expressing their hope for more such events in the future. They emphasized the importance of keeping children engaged in positive activities, particularly in the far-flung areas of the Gurez Valley.
The event culminated in a prize distribution ceremony, where cash prizes were awarded to the winners who secured first, second, and third positions in the various competitions. The success of the event was evident in the smiles on the faces of all participants, solidifying the positive relationship between the Indian Army and the local community.
