The CRPF Mela features craft, culture and community in diamond jubilee celebration
CRPF, the World's largest Armed Police Force and the proud sentinel of India’s internal security commemorated its Diamond Jubilee Year with the CRPF Mela 2014 from 17th-19th of October. The three day extravaganza, organised by the CRPF Family Welfare Association (CWA) was held at SDG HQr, ISTM Grounds, Old JNU campus, New Delhi from 9 am onwards. Reflective of real unity in diversity, the CRPF Mela presented scores of cultural shows, foot-tapping concerts, a delightful Food Festival and a lot more.
The three day event was a confluence of craft and culture and was based on three themes: Family Welfare, Women Empowerment and Youth well-being; apart from the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the force.
The first day of the Mela or Family Day was graced by the distinguished presence of Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble MoS for Commerce and Industry (Independent Charge), GOI, Dr. Jaysree Bhattacharya, Principal Safdarjung Hospital, Smt. Savitri Singh, w/o Sh. Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Union Home Minister and Smt. Neeru Goswami w/o Sh Anil Goswami, Union Home Secretary.
The second day named Women Empowerment Day witnessed dignitaries like Ms. Sakshi Tanwar, TV Actress, and Ms. Neetu Boochra, President FICCI Ladies Org along with a live performance by visually impaired singer Diwakar Sharma of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs fame.
The last day i.e. 19th October also termed as Youth Day was saw guests like Ms Meenakshi Lekhi, MP and Ms Aradhana Johri- Secretary, Disinvestment department.
At the closing ceremony, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Union HRD Minister and Chief Guest Sh. Dilip Trivedi, DG CRPF presided as the Guests of Honour.
Mrs. Suneeta Trivedi, President CWA said, “The annual CRPF Mela held on a central and zonal level alternatively, opens a window of opportunity to showcase CWA’s activities. It offers a platform for our homegrown talents and products to display their skills and rightful value. It also connects separated families and soldiers under one roof and gives them the scope to unwind and rejuvenate themselves before they resume their duties.”
Smriti Irani commented, “The CRPF Mela is a fine example of creating healthy support systems that can sustain and nourish its members in the long run. The CWA’s endeavours towards domestic empowerment, skill generation via professional training and social engagement is applause worthy. I stand by CWA and appreciate its intention to play an effective role in the welfare and social domain.”
The programme featured CRPF’s 75 year long journey in the form of a short film. CWA members were honoured and CRPF Personnel were recognised for their bravery and valour. The event also felicitated contributions of the youth, teachers as well as lady officers. Amazing Raffle Draw prizes including a Honda Amaze car and a Rock Star concert induced a fun element in the event. Apart from this, patrons could indulge themselves in a wide array of Kashmiri, Gujarati, Punjabi and South Indian delicacies at the regional food stalls. Folk dances, puppet shows and magic shows added colour, vibrancy and fanfare to the event.
The CRPF family Welfare Association, a lead partner of the Force, acts as catalyst in the Force’s efforts to channelise social drives in various operational theatres of the country. It works towards domestic empowerment, skill generation in the field of art and craft for families of the force and providing recreational avenues for soldiers. The CRPF Mela is a conglomerated product of these efforts.
