Army show leaves spectators spellbound

Chander Parkash Tribune News service Sriganganagar, February 23, 2010
About a hundred Army daredevils kept the spectators, including the officers, their families, civilians and schoolchildren, spellbound for over an hour by performing spectacular stunts in the sky as well as on the ground at the cantonment here this evening.

The stunts were part of a special show being organised by the Army to honour with medals its officers and jawans who displayed exemplary courage while fighting militants in different parts of the country. The investiture ceremony would be held here tomorrow.

Lt Gen CKS Sabu, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, presided over the function.

Of all, sky divers mesmerised the viewers the most by performing aerobatics in the sky. Lasting for about 15 minutes, the act was performed by six Armymen -- led by Havildar GS Patil - who jumped from two Chetak helicopters from a height of about 10,000 feet.

The open ground where the function was held reverberated with a round of applause after the skydivers landed safely. Two Armymen also performed various events in the sky after diving from a paramotor (a motorised steerable parachute).

Next to come was the show by Army dogs, who displayed their skills by jumping over hurdles and even walking on two ropes. The dog squad (six in number) also displayed the specialised training they had been given to catch and injure militants and other anti-national elements under the command of their handlers.

Then, 10 motorcyclists of the Punjab Regiment, led by company Havildar major (CHM) Rajesh Kumar, displayed some spectacular stunts. Driving a 350-CC Royal Enfield motorcycle while sitting over it in a reverse position and standing on its fuel tank and then driving it were a few among them.

The bikers’ stunts also included jumping over a ring of fire and 10 people making a wall and pyramid while moving on five motorcycles. The Malkham display and hot air ballooning also enthralled the spectators.

Later, jawans of various units captivated the audience by playing different tunes, including those of patriotic songs.
Army show leaves spectators spellbound