March 20, 2002

'33'

PERFORMANCE OF NAVAL BAND IN FORWARD AREAS

    The Defence Minister, Shri George Fernandes, had directed that the Indian Naval Band be sent to all such locations where Army personnel have been deployed in the forward areas. This was largely to provide entertainment and relaxation to the jawans who have been deployed for some time now in the forward areas.  The jawans were full of praises for Ministry's effort
in this direction. The sensitivity has touched the heart of those who are deployed in the border areas.

    The Band started its tour on 24th February 2002 and returned on 12th March 2002 after performing for 16 days. It toured various units of the Northern Command in J&K and also the Western sector. From the icy heights to the Thar Desert, the Band reached almost all the places. The arrival of the Band was indeed, a welcome change in an Army jawan's routine. The jawans
felt rejuvenated and got time to relax their body and mind. The performances had an overwhelming response from the jawans.

    This was the first ever of its kind and indeed extremely successful. It performed outdoors at Awantipur, Baramullah, Srinagar, Gulmarg, etc. Even for the Naval Band it was an unique experience. The Navy has felt happy at doing their bit for their "comrades in arms".

    The Bandsmen played under the worst and best conditions offered to them, with 15 concerts in the Northern Sector and 18 in the Western Sector. They played tunes ranging from the latest Bollywood songs to the evergreen old times and also some English and regional language tunes. They also performed at a place, which was just 700 metres from the LoC, and in fact, this sent a message across, about the high morale of the Indian troops.