Kupwara, Oct 06 (KNS): To add colors and vibrancy in the life of the villagers residing in the remote areas of Keran Sector, annual Keran Mela, which was organized by the Army and the locals after a gap of two years, due to the ongoing pandemic, culminated on Wednesday, Army said here.
In a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), a spokesperson said that Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC Chinar Corps was the chief guest on the occasion today.
"The Mela included many sports events like cricket, volleyball, athletics, cross country and tug of war, besides cultural programmes for the villages of the Keran Sector. The Grand Keran Mela commenced on 18 August and culminated today. It witnessed by a very active and enthusiastic participation of 18 teams from various parts of Keran Sector besides teams from areas of Kupwara district too. The Cricket tournament was clinched by Cobra XI Kralpora Team. Cricket was followed by an energy filled and nail-biting Volleyball competition between six teams of Keran Sector with Keran Team bagging the trophy. Other competitions also saw active participation of all villages," the statement reads.
It reads that with women empowerment being the theme of the event, several women achievers were also invited and attended including Captain Tania Shergill, Indian Army’s first woman commander of an all-male Republic Day Contingent, Ishrat Akhter, first International wheelchair basketball player from Baramulla, Yana Mir, media panelist and Dr Mehar Rather, social worker, all of whom gave motivational talks to the locals of Keran Sector.
"The Grand Finale today commenced with the flag hoisting by Lt Gen DP Pandey and releasing of tri-color balloons. This was followed by a march past by the NCC Cadets of Keran Sector. The events organized on the culminating day included finals of volleyball, tug of war, javelin and 100m sprint for children."
It reads that a cultural programme by the Zahoor Gilani group as a tribute to the rich Kashmiri culture, promoting happiness and bonhomie was the showstopper with songs by famous local artist Waqar Khan.
"It was very heartening to see groups of local youths dancing and celebrating with the army jawans. Several firsts in this year’s Keran Mela included the walkathon competition for women, javelin throw, inflatable bouncy rides, food stalls by popular eateries of Baramulla and Srinagar."
It reads that all of these were seen on the final day of the celebrations with 100 feet high hydrogen balloons dotting the skyline. "Distribution of trophies to winners by Lt Gen DP Pandey, marked the successful culmination of the Mela."
The statement reads the Grand Keran Mela generated tremendous goodwill and provided the villagers in this remote part of the country, a platform to showcase their talents.
It reads that DC Kupwara also attended the event and interacted with locals and gained valuable inputs about various projects and requirements. "The locals expressed their gratitude and appreciation towards the Army for the successful conduct of Keran Mela." (KNS)