Poonch: With an aim to spread awareness in the local populace of Mendhar & nearby villages of Poonch District against the use of drugs and provide information about the dangers of drug misuse, Balnoi Bn under the aegis of Krishna Ghati Brigade conducted a Drug Awareness cum Medical Camp at Balnoi Base. The lecture cum counselling sessions highlighted the health risks and solutions to tackle the drug problem, to evidence-based prevention, treatment and care. Dr Kannan Gireesh, M.B.B.S. & M.D.(Psychiatry), a renowned Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, and founder & CEO, Live Life Education Pvt Ltd along with his team conducted the said lecture cum counselling session. A strength of 350 people attended the said programme. The lecture was followed by a free COVID-19 vaccination drive and medical camp conducted with the help of Primary Health Care Centre, Mankote in association with the Block Medical Department, Mendhar. This included free Basic Medical check up including Blood pressure, ECG and other co-morbidities. A total number of 250 locals including ladies and children were provided with free medicines along with medical counselling.
As part of Indian Army’s continued endeavour, Balnoi Bn under the aegis of Krishna Ghati Brigade organised a mega event BALNOI NIGHT at Balnoi base for the locals of Mendhar and nearby villages. The event was themed around ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ in order to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971.
The highlight of the event was a vibrant cultural programme ‘MAUSEEQI’ in which Gojri, Pahadi and other regional folks songs were played by a local troupe which was witnessed by over 500 people. Teams from various nearby villages took part in Tug-of-War (Rassa-Kashi), Budar and Bini as part of the mega event.
The successful conduct of Drug Awareness cum Medical Camp, Vaccination Drive and mega show BALNOI NIGHT is yet another demonstration of Indian Army’s outreach to the locals. The efforts were well appreciated and covered adequately by local and state media.
Village Sarpanches and other rural authorities urged IA for more such camps in the border villages, stricken with negligence.
Nazim Ali Manhas is a Poonch based photojournalist