School children ‘thrilled’ after getting a feel of army ammunition and tanks

Hyderabad: R. Sanjana, a Class VII student, got to handle assault rifles and semi-automatic and automatic guns which the Indian Army uses.

She was among the students who thronged the ‘Know Your Army’ event, organised by the Basantar Brigade of the Bison Division, under the aegis of Telangana and Andhra sub area, at Parade Ground here on Friday.

The Army displayed weapons and equipment for the general public and to motivate school children as part of the event conducted as a prelude to the Army Day, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Also showcased were the one-of-its-kind transport ventilator, mobile operation theatre, different weapons and engineering, recovery and maintenance vehicles.

According to officers, the transport ventilator can be used in both hospital and outdoor medical emergency rescue operations.

The Tank T-72, one of the main battle tanks with the Army, was the cynosure of all eyes. Students and the general public got to peep into the tank. Several children were spotted clicking selfies and photographs with the tank.

“It was a wonderful experience getting to know about the Indian Army. The view from the tank was amazing,” said Vineeth Kumar, a Class V student.

The 1 EME band performed to the ‘Ek Bharat Sarvashreshtha Bharat’ theme.

The ‘Know Your Army’ exhibition will be open on Saturday at the Parade Ground.

The Artillery Centre band will perform at Golconda Fort on January 14, 15, 21 and 22. The Artillery Centre will also hold a mini-marathon on Saturday.