Adventurism marks OTA’s golden jubilee celebrations

It was a colourful display of spirit of adventurism, skills in traditional martial arts, physical fitness and discipline as the Officers Training Academy marked its golden jubilee celebrations here on Friday.

The Combined Display, which marks the culmination of the club and adventure activities of the training term in OTA, began with a gallop as Lt col V K Mishra, officer-in-charge of the Horse Riding Club, mounted on a horse to unfurl the flag, that marked the start of the celebrations.

The event was followed by a display of horse riding skills by the cadets and regimental teams. The display included tent pegging, a combination of horse and rider with a lance tested in marked track with a prescribed speed to pick the peg driven into the ground.

This was followed by show jumping and daredevil display, which showcased the strength of battle inoculation that the horses and riders undergo so that they are ready to negotiate any obstacle that comes their way.

The team from the Maratha Light Regimental Centre, Belgaum, performed Lezim, a folk dance of Maharashtra where the dancers carried small musical instruments with jingling cymbals. This was followed by a vibrant aerobic display by 18 lady cadets and 43 male cadets.

Interestingly, it was the karate display by Naib Subedar P Jayaraj that held the audience in rapt attention. The event also included tile-breaking, jump kick and flying kick.

Kalaripayattu, a martial art of Kerala, and Malkhamb, a combination of traditional Indian gymnastics and martial arts, were added attractions as jawans displayed  their skills in various postures, much to the awe of the audience.

But it was the silent warriors from the Remount Veterinary centre and College, Meerut, who stole the show. The army of Canine Warriors which is proficient in the most sensitive duties like explosive detection, mine detection, tracking, guard duties, infantry patrol duties, search and rescue and advance rescue operations, showcased their skills at the vent. The team comprised Labrador Retrievers and  their trainers.

The event was attended by Lt Gen SS Jog, Commandant of the Academy, and other officers.