Indian Army’s Show of Strength Before the 69th Republic Day

An original Bofors gun on display, a band performance by army men, and a national flag made of wax!

A kid posing with a rifle on display at the Indian Pride Festival at Delhi’s DLF Place mall.

(Photo: The Quint)

The air at DLF Place in Delhi’s Saket had a patriotic aroma as the mall organised an event called ‘The Indian Pride Festival’ on Wednesday, 24 January.

The major highlights of the event were a display of various arms, ammunitions and equipments used for defence purposes by the Indian Army and a band performance by army men.

Along with the original Bofors gun on display, there were also mine detectors, rifles, tracking devices and bomb suits on exhibit with army jawans demonstrating their specialities and use.

The tagline of the event was ‘Service Before Self’, and it was designed to celebrate the “glory of our nation and its heroes” and to express gratitude towards the sacrifices and courage of the Indian armed forces.

Muckth Dograa, assistant vice president and centre head at DLF Place, was one of the key people behind putting together this event.

When we were kids, we used to be taken to parades by our parents. Now, that is not possible for everybody due to various reasons. The kids aren’t growing up being acquainted with it (patriotism). The idea is to instil a sense of pride that we always felt and what better place than a shopping mall that gets 40,000-50,000 footfall everyday.

Muckth Dograa, Vice president and centre head, DLF Place

The event also had renowned candle designer Harshish Brar, who painted a national flag made of wax!

Harshish Brar giving finishing touches to the national flag she painted for the event.

Giving updates to the boss before they hit the stage.

Waiting to be called on stage...

Some last minute instructions.

Oh finally! It’s time to hit the stage.

And that’s a radar... a fancy radar, that’s how we track enemies.

“Oh daddy! How do you breathe in this thing!”

“I’m gonna shoot you!”

Don’t mess with us!

“Oi hawan kund maston ka jhund”

And that’s an original Bofors gun!

“My daddy strongest!”

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