Inside 'Know Your Army' mela in Mumbai this weekend

An Army arsenal is not something one encounters on a morning in Mumbai unless one finds oneself inside a garrison At the Garrison Battalion Ground in Colaba mortars radar systems antitank guided missiles ATGMs launchers machine guns and pistols offered civilians a closer look at equipment used by the Indian ArmyOrganised by the 15th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry under the aegis of Headquarters Maharashtra Gujarat and Goa area the lsquoKnow Your Armyrsquo mela transformed the ground into a space for public engagement welcoming students civilians and anyone curious about the forceEntering through a camouflagecovered passage this writer found visitors gathered in a semicircle around infantry weapon displays as soldiers explained each exhibitrsquos origins range rate of fire elevation and distinguishing features The displays included the 120 mm Mortar AM 50 Quick Fire 40 mm L70 Bofors Gun 9 mm pistol Medium Machine Gun MMG ATGM Radar USFM and LSV Armado an armoured light specialist vehicle among other notable displays This was followed by a pipe band display and a brass band performance which ensured it was an immersive morningAs we spotted the children craning their necks to examine the displays the parade ground became a stage for demonstrations showcasing military discipline and traditional martial arts like the Unarmed Combat Display performanceThe organisers informed us they wanted to encourage open conversations between the Indian Army and civilians by allowing visitors to explore the equipment and understand its capabilities firsthand With just 10 days to put the event together they had opened a window into a world usually viewed from a distance Here are some of our favourites displays from the exhibition6515 MThe range of the 120 mm Mortar AM 50 built for mobilityTill October 31 9 am to 5 pmAt Garrison Battalion PT Ground Colaba Military Station next to RC Church ColabaTop 4 picksQuick Fire 40 mm L70 Bofors GunSoldiers explain the operations of weapons to visitors PICSRUMANI GABHAREThe Bofors gun has a rate of fire of 300 rounds per minute and a muzzle velocity of 1000 metres per second Its maximum effective range is 3500 metres with remote power control and 2000 metres with local power control Weighing 4700 kg it uses highexplosive and preformed fragmented cube ammunition and is operated by a crew of sixWorth the watchFor those who prefer live performances the Malakhamb display by young servicemen is worth watching Their grips and yogalike poses showcase core and lowerback strength while an element of fire adds to the spectacle Traditional Marathi music accompanies the performance followed by AMAR Army Martial Arts Routine below an agile unarmed combat display that puts strength and skill centre stageThe 120 mm Mortar AM 50Indigenously produced in India in 1955 the 120 mm Mortar AM 50 has a range of 6515 metres and fires highexplosive smoke and illumination ammunition Built for mobility it can be transported by mules towed by a jeep or carried by helicopter Its highangle fire makes it suited to mountainous terrain including targets in dead ground and on reverse slopesShowcase the ArmyAlongside hydration and food stalls the souvenir counters offer Indian Armythemed merchandise including Tshirts jackets cups and fridge magnets Items feature the Indian Armyrsquos insignia with the National Emblem of India above two crossed swords alongside its motto lsquoService Before SelfrsquoNeed to knowgtgt Since the mela is held on an open ground carry drinking water wear a hat or cap apply sunscreen and take breaks in shaded areas particularly when visiting with childrengtgt Carry a hard copy of a valid government identity card