A two-day exhibition on the Indian Armed Forces - the Great Indian Defence Odyssey- began at the Western Ghats International School in Ettimadai near here on Friday.
With the objective of instilling patriotism among school and college students, the school has joined hands with the Army, Navy and Air Force for this exhibition.
Among the weapons on display include 105mm field gun and a 2.5 tonne-artillery battle weapon that can destroy a target at a distance of 17 km. A 120mm Mortar (250 kg), which can reach 6.5 km, was also on display besides small arms such as 9 mm machine guns, 7.62 mm machine guns and 5.56 mm assault rifles used by the Army.
While the Indian Air Force displayed aircraft models and brought out the aviation history of Sulur Air Station, which was established during World War II, Lieutenant D. Malathi of INS Agrani explained the significant contribution of women to the Navy.
P. Ramesh, Group Captain, Air Force Administrative College, Red Fields, inaugurated the expo in the presence of Captain Shivalal, Executive Officer, INS Agrani, Red Fields.
Among those who took part in the exhibition include Brigadier S. Suresh Kumar from Madras Regimental Centre (MRC), Wellington, the Niligiris, Colonel Varun Singh Tanwar, Field Regiment, Indian Army, Coimbatore, and Air Commodore S. Choudhry, Indian Air Force, 5 BRD, Sulur.
Air Squadron (2) belonging to National Cadet Corps also displayed models of remote control aircraft and gliders. The 5 (TN) girls battalion explained to the visitors the basic details of warfare techniques such as how to read the maps, compass, protractor, different types of firing methods and how to pitch the tents.
Defence officials explained the recruitment procedures and motivated the college students to serve the country through a career in the Armed Forces.
Video presentations were also given on the occasion. An emergency van of the ‘108’ GVK EMRI ambulance service made a live demonstration of the equipment in the van and taught first aid procedures.
Students of the Western Ghats International School displayed models on science, math, space, fine arts and the green concepts under the title EUREKA-2013.
They also came out with portraits and information of 60 personalities under the title ‘Pride of India.’ Students of various schools and colleges from Coimbatore, Tirupur and Palakkad visited the exhibition.
