Rajouri,oct 1
Indian Army at Samote in District Rajouri (J&K) organised Sports & Cultural Festival at Banj to reach out Gujjars and Bakkarwals who had migrated to higher reaches of Pir Panjal Ranges, moved across to Kashmir Valley and now returning back. Considering the hardship being faced by Gujjars & Bakkarwals every year, Indian Army organised a ‘Sports & Cultural Festival’ at Banj on 30 Sep 2024. Banj is located six kilometres North of Budhal in District Rajouri. The sole motto of this event is to provide a healing touch to the poor and backward Gujjar & Bakkarwal community, which resides in the higher reaches of Pir Panjal Mountain ranges. In order to promote customs and traditions of Gujjars and Bakkarwals, local traditional sports events of Volleyball Girls, Volleyball Boys, Tug of War, Solo Song, Patriotic Group Song, Group Dance, Solo Dance & Elocution (Speech) were also carried out, which was over whelmingly enjoyed by the local spectators. During the Sports & Cultural Festival, Indian Army also provided medical care to Gujjar and Bakkarwal community and their livestock. An approximate strength of 390 people (200 x men, 40 x women & 150 x children) witnessed the event. Village elders, Sarpanchs, Panchs & prominent locals thanked and expressed their profound gratitude towards the Indian Army for organizing such an unique and special event for Gujjars and Bakkarwals at Banj. This initiative of Indian Army will go a long way in overall development of the society and further cementing the existing strong bond between Indian Army and Awam.
