The swashbuckling Thambi Udhaar — IV Cycle Rally, comprising 620 Madras Engineering Group and Centre personnel from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala at the Loomba Stadium of MEG and Centre here on Friday, held an impressive gymnastic display and a colourful cultural programme served as a splendid curtain raiser to MEG's 230th anniversary celebrations of the Group.
Displaying characteristic espirit de corps, the cyclists passed through areas where a large number of serving and retired Madras Sappers and Veer Naris reside, and interacted with them, seeking to know their problems.
Later Lieutenant General Mathew Mammen (Retd.) and Brigadier Gurudeep Singh, Commandant MEG and Centre, received the rally at the Loomba Stadium.
Vibrant display
The gymnastic and physical training display by students of the Army Institute of Training, Pune, and cultural programme by students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, MEG and Centre, added colour to the flagging in ceremony of the cycle rally that comes ahead of the MEG's 230th anniversary celebrations to be held from September 27 to 30 here.
About 1,000 cycles were donated to the MEG and Centre by Network 18 on the occasion in recognition of this legendary regiment's MEG's role in keeping Bangalore green.
Programmes
Speaking to presspersons on the occasion, Brigadier Singh said the famous Regatta at Ulsoor Lake and a display by Sarang helicopter display team of the Indian Air Force would mark the 230th year celebration on September 28 evening in which Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and others would participate. A Biennial Regimental Commanders' conference will be held the same day.
Brit veterans too
A War Memorial Service, a Sainik Sammelan, a Family Welfare Centre meet, interaction with veterans, a Sappers Golf Cup event will be held on September 29. A ceremonial parade and release of Special Day Cover are among the events to be held on September 30.
A few British personnel, who had served in the MEG before Independence, will also attend.
Briefing about MEG's new initiatives, Brigadier Singh said that special focus was being given to make all personnel computer literate to make full use of information technology.
