Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, July 5: Fire and Fury Artillery Brigade of Army conducted “Alchi Fest 2013” amidst the serene and salubrious climes of Alchi in Ladakh today. This initiative as part of the ‘Operation Sadbhavana’ project was to improve the quality of life and spread the feeling of national integration. Many civilian dignitaries and local administrators were present alongwith locals from all walks of life.
The festival was inaugurated by Payal Sharma, chairperson Army Wives Welfare Association of the ‘Fire and Fury’ Corps.
The villagers were extended a comprehensive medical cover by specialists of Eye, Medical, Surgery and Gynecology from the Army Medical Corps. A Dental checkup and life saving ‘Pulse Polio’ drops for small children was also organised. A team of veterinary doctors from the Indian Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps as well as from the Animal Husbandry Department, Leh did a commendable job by attending to the medical problems of the local livestock. The Alchi village was distributed with furniture for its community centre and computers for its local school. As an appreciation of their sacrifice and service to the nation, Veer Naris and Ex-servicemen were felicitated.
A cultural entertainment programme was conducted by the local students. Other than this Archery competition, Tug of War, Musical Chairs and a ‘Best Pet Competition’ was organised for the villagers. Multiple awareness stalls were put up to include from State Bank of India, Zila Sanik Welfare Cell, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, Army Welfare Education Scheme and Defense Pension Distribution Office. During the entire course of the event, all the locals were provided with free lunch.