INDIAN ARMY CONDUCTED GUJJAR And BAKKARWAL MELA AND HORSE RACE ALONGWITH MEDICAL AND VETERINARY CAMP AT LAL DRAMAN, BHAGWAH ON 08 SEP 2022

INDIAN ARMY CONDUCTED GUJJAR And BAKKARWAL MELA AND HORSE RACE ALONGWITH MEDICAL AND VETERINARY CAMP AT LAL DRAMAN, BHAGWAH ON 08 SEP 2022

1.    As part of continued drive to ameliorate the lives of locals and to outreach population in remote area, Indian Army, Doda organised Gujjar and Bakkarwal Mela, Horse Race, Medical and Veterinary Camp on 08 Sep 2022 in the lush green meadows of Lal Draman located in remote Bhagwah area of Doda district. With the onset of summers, every year thousands of Gujjar and Bakkarwals from regions as far as Udhampur, Reasi, Anantnag Jammu and Rajouri flock to green pastures of Lal Draman and areas around it. Indian Army has been organising the event since 2012 to address the grievances and mainstreaming the nomadic population. It took a month long preparation and continued efforts to organise this extremely popular event in the rugged terrain. A total of 72 Gujjar & Bakkarwal horse riders participated in the horse race conducted over two days and witnessed by more than 1000 locals who had gathered from far away places for this unique event. Medical and Veterinary Camp were also organised simultaneously. A total of 376 Gujjar and Bakkarwal including male, female and children were provided free medicines and medical care during the conduct of medical camp. 158 animals including sheep, goats, horses and cattle were also screened & provided with medical care. The event also included fun games for children, folk music, dance & amusement sports for adults.
2.     The camp was graced by Major General Ajay Kumar, GOC Delta Force, Brigadier Sameer K Palande, Commander 9 Sector RR alogwith Colonel Ankur Sharma, Commanding Officer, 10 Rashtriya Rifles to motivate the migratory population. Officials from civil administration also visited the Lal Draman to witness the event & interact with the local population to address their grievances. The chief guest while addressing the Gujjars and Bakkarwals assured them of continued support of Indian Army to ensure their safety and uplifting standard of living.
3.     During the event, a felicitation ceremony was conducted for our very own local band 'Band of Doda' and were equipped by the Indian Army with a variety of musical instruments to boost local music scene and cultivate new talent. The festival was a grand success in line with promotion of tourism in the region as well as instill a spirit of sports in the youth of our region while fostering social and communal harmony.