As the weather in the snow-bound Gurez Valley improved, the Indian Army’s Rana Battalion, stationed in the Bagtore area, organized a unique Snow Art and Games Program for children living near the Line of Control (LoC) on Monday.
The event was held in the Bagtore area of Gurez Valley, located in North Kashmir's Bandipora district.
The local children participated enthusiastically in the event when around 30 to 40 boys and girls came forward to present their artistic prowess and patriotism.
The children inscribed “I Love India,” “Indian Army,” “Jawan Aur Awam,” and “I Love Bagtore” on snowy walls, beautifully presenting their love for the country.
It had several activities like Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, snow races for different age groups, and snow art. The main intention was to focus on the undiscerned talents of children and at the same time give a sense of patriotism to the youth staying in the border areas of Gurez Valley.
Speaking to the media, local resident Mohammad Sultan expressed gratitude toward the Indian Army. He said that the initiative provided a platform for children in this remote border area to express their creativity while fostering a sense of community and positivity during the harsh winter months, when the entire area is covered in snow.
Locals lauded the move, which they said is a positive initiative taken by the Indian Army in reaching out to the youth. "It was a great initiative by the Indian Army, as it brought joy and celebration to our community," one local resident said.
Zaheer Ahmed, another local, said, "The Army always initiates activities like games and activities that provide us with opportunities. We are thankful to the Indian Army for these types of activities."
Residents have also expressed the hope that in the future there will be more such competitions so that the spirit of the locality is boosted up and the Army and the locals get closer.
The children who attended the program expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to engage in such activities, which are not very common amid the challenging terrain of Gurez Valley. The initiative has left an indelible mark, fostering goodwill and unity in the snowbound border region