The 'Know Your Army' mela was organized by the 14 Corps at Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, MVC, Stadium on July 6.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), attended the mela along with GOC 14 Corps Lt General H Bhalla; Secretary, Tourism, Vikram Singh Malik; Army officials, ex-servicemen, and school students.

The mela, held as part of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, aims to motivate local youth and familiarize the local population with modern weapon technology, tactics, and the battle-worthiness of the Indian Army.

Terming the mela a significant initiative by the Indian Army, the LG highlighted the contribution of Ladakhi men and women during the Kargil War in 1999. He noted their support and combat alongside the Army to defeat enemy forces, commemorated annually as Kargil Vijay Diwas. The LG stated that the supreme sacrifices of martyrs, their courage, and achievements are remembered each year, reflecting the nation's gratitude.

Highlighting the need to keep the Indian Army ‘young,’ the LG mentioned the Government of India's introduction of the Agniveer Scheme. He stated that the Agniveers who have joined the Army are performing well and emphasized that the Army's strength lies in enrolling the youth. He also mentioned that Agniveers not retained after four years would be inducted into the Police and other services.

The LG complimented GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Bhalla for organizing the event. He inspected the weapon and equipment display, medical and dental information camps, an information desk for Army recruitment under the Agniveer scheme, and an ex-servicemen grievance cell, interacting with the jawans.

The event featured band performances, army battle drills such as rescue operations and explosives detection by the canine squad, and a helicopter fly-past.