Saluting brave soldiers...

LUDHIANA: The Vajra Air Defence Brigade celebrated its 71st Army Day, which falls on January 15, by holding a number of events across Ludhiana district, which is home to several serving and retired army personnel.  

The celebrations started on Tuesday with a military band display at Khanna and a mini-marathon for children at Jagraon. Army sources said an equipment display, showcasing modern and advance weaponry of the Army, is scheduled in Ludhiana on January 18. A military band display was held in front of a large crowd at Khanna army camping ground on Tuesday. The proceedings started with an acrobatic aerial display of aero-models flown by Army personnel and continued with the playing of patriotic songs by a jazz band from the Army Air Defence Regiment. Towards the end, a pipe band from the Army’s Sikh Light Infantry Regiment mesmerised the crowd by belting out melodious tunes and playing instruments while marching in perfect synchrony.  A mini-marathon for children was organised at government senior secondary school, Jagraon. About 200 runners comprising students, school teachers and local residents took part in it. The runners competed in three different age categories over distances ranging from 2.5 to 5 km. The competition was fierce and spirited. The first prize in over-16-year category was awarded to Gurpreet Singh, in 12 to 16-year category to Sandeep Singh and in less than 12-year category to Hardeep Singh. Senior Army, district administration and police officials graced the programmes.  — TNS