The Hindu : New Delhi News : A fair to bring you closer to the Army's world

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 05, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

A fair to bring you closer to the Army's world

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The ten-day "Fauji Mela'' organised by the Army Wives' Welfare Association (AWWA) at Dilli Haat here offers visitors food, music, dance performances handicrafts and much more. Open up to April 10, it offers visitors a window on the world of the Indian Army as well as an opportunity to pick up wares at discounted rates.

There are over 100 stalls selling a variety of goods ranging from Kashmiri carpets and Bodo shawls to Rajasthani lehrias and Pochampalli saris of South India.

Also on offer are innumerable food stalls; at the Doda Hut one can buy organic foods along with juices, pickles and dry fruits. A wonderful North Indian thaali is available for Rs. 25. There are also food stalls set up by AWWA offering Punjabi, Rajasthani and Hyderabadi cuisines besides some unique booths selling Lucknowi paan and Assamese fish curry.

Every night "Fauji Mela'' will see performances by music and dance troupes. Along with tribal dance and folk music, Indipop singer Vandana Vadehra is scheduled to perform here this coming weekend.

"The Mela is organised for two reasons; to give a platform to AWWA to sell products made by its members and also to give civilians an opportunity to learn about the Indian Army and its work," explains Brigadier A. K. Shrivastav. "All proceeds from sales will be utilised by AWWA for the welfare and development of Army widows and those in need.''

At the special display section, viewers are informed about "Sadbhavna'', an Army initiative that assists in the planning, execution and supervision of several infrastructure projects. The display portrays the involvement of the Army in construction of schools and vocational colleges in Jammu and Kashmir. The stall even has a section displaying pictures of the flora, fauna and the unique culture of Ladakh.

"We want to be closer to the people; we want them to know what we do and give them the opportunity to talk to us'' says Brig. Shrivastav.

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