The Hindu : New Delhi News : The humane face of the defence forces

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 17, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

The humane face of the defence forces

Aarti Dhar

NEW DELHI: "When the television in your living room came alive with the breaking news on [the] Kashmir earthquake, the first images were [of] helicopters evacuating casualties. When the avalanche rolled down the slopes of the Pir Panjal, the jawan was running up to meet it headway ... "

A small note on "Bravehearts" at a special exhibition at the Defence Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) not only revives grim pictures of recent natural calamities in the country, but makes one proud of the contribution of the defence personnel in extending a helping hand to the affected. "The idea is not to blow our own trumpet but highlight the humane face of the defence forces who are always perceived as people with a tough exterior once in their uniforms," says Colonel R.K. Jha, coordinator of the exhibition put up by the three Services. "We believe that the services rendered by our men — even when we were facing casualties — during the recent earthquake, have touched the hearts of the local people as much as they did during [the] tsunami, floods and avalanches," he adds.

The exhibition has collages, an audio-visual show, and an interactive section. There are six sections beginning with the earthquake, the floods in Mumbai and Bihar, the tsunami, avalanches, "sadbhavna" — highlighting social activities — and an archives section.

It is a reminder of the efforts of the armed forces in saving lives and a fitting tribute to those who gave up their lives to save others.

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