Date:15/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/15/stories/2008011551890200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

A cultural evening to honour army awardees

Staff Reporter

Programme features martial arts routines, medley of dances

— PHOTO: M. VEDHAN

Daring display: A demonstration of the traditional martial exercise routine of Maratha warriors as part of programmes organised in Chennai on the eve of Army Day on Monday.

CHENNAI: A two-hour cultural extravaganza marked the evening organised here in honour of gallantry award winners of the Army on Monday.

The programme included Bharatanatyam performances, patriotic songs, martial arts routines, a medley of dances and a demonstration by percussionist Sivamani.

The programme, held on the eve of Army Day had the well-known John Britto performing dance numbers for the distinguished audience.

Army Day is celebrated in honour of General K.M. Kariappa (later Field Marshal), who became the first Indian commander-in-chief of the Army on January 15, 1949.

As part of Army Day, at the investiture ceremony on Tuesday, 42 winners will be presented medals by Lieutenant General Noble Thamburaj, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command. The ceremony is being held in Chennai after 10 years.

The awardees will be presented medals for gallantry and devotion to duty.

One Sena medal for gallantry will be presented posthumously.