DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
Rajouri, Oct 1
The Indian Army, stationed in Samote, District Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, organized a Sports and Cultural Festival on 30th September 2024 at Banj. This event was aimed at reaching out to the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, who migrate to the higher reaches of the Pir Panjal ranges and the Kashmir Valley during the summer and return as winter approaches. The festival was organized to provide relief and support to these communities, who face significant hardships every year due to their migratory lifestyle.
Banj, located six kilometers north of Budhal in Rajouri District, served as the venue for this vibrant event. The primary goal of the festival was to offer a “healing touch” to the economically disadvantaged and backward Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, who live in the remote and challenging terrains of the Pir Panjal mountain range.
The Indian Army aimed to celebrate and promote the rich customs and traditions of these communities through a blend of sports and cultural activities.
The event featured a variety of traditional sports and cultural performances that resonated deeply with the local population. Competitions in volleyball for both girls and boys, tug-of-war, solo songs, patriotic group songs, group dances, solo dances, and elocution (speech) contests were organized, and all were met with enthusiastic participation. The festival drew large crowds, with around 390 people in attendance, including 200 men, 40 women, and 150 children, all of whom enjoyed the spectacle.
In addition to the sports and cultural performances, the Indian Army also provided much-needed medical care to the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, ensuring both the residents and their livestock received proper medical attention. The initiative was warmly welcomed by the local population, many of whom face limited access to healthcare due to their remote location.
The village elders, sarpanchs, panchs, and other prominent locals expressed their deep gratitude towards the Indian Army for organizing such a unique and special event. They acknowledged that this festival not only helped in promoting their culture but also brought much-needed relief to the community. The initiative was seen as a significant step towards the overall development of society, particularly for the marginalized Gujjar and Bakarwal communities, who often face economic and social challenges.
The festival further strengthened the already strong bond between the Indian Army and the local Awam (people). The Army’s continuous efforts to support and uplift these communities, whether through healthcare initiatives, cultural preservation, or infrastructural support, demonstrate its commitment to fostering harmony and development in the region. Events like these go a long way in enhancing mutual trust and cooperation, making the Indian Army an integral part of the local social fabric.
