A two-day exhibition named “Know your army” was held at JNTU grounds this Wednesday. It provided people to know the activities of Indian Army and career growth for the youth. Weapons and Army equipment were displayed by the Army's 1 EME (Electronics and Mechanical Engineering) Center, Secunderabad. Huge number of students from both school & college had a glimpse at the exhibition. A Russian–made T-72 tank, an Indian Combat Vehicle capable of amphibious operations, AK-47 assault rifles, a Thermal Imaging Integrated Observer System manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited, Machilipatnam, Indian Small Arms System, anti-material rifles, automatic grenade launchers, a Taiwanese Radio Integrated Navigation System, 105 mm light field guns, trigger mechanisms and cut models of engines of a Royal En-field motorcycle and a four-wheeler caught the fancy of visitors.

Participating as the chief guest, Union Minister of State for  Defence Mr.M.M.Pallam Raju said ‘Know Your Army' exhibitions were being organized throughout the country to spread public awareness about Army and career opportunities offered by it to qualified youth. Indian Army was in need of youth capable of operating advanced machinery and weapons. Army has excellent working conditions and good salaries that were set to increase further due to implementation of the Central Pay Commission recommendations he added.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony focused on resettlement of those retiring from the Army. This would enable the Personnel below Officer Rank (PBOR) to earn jobs or set up their ventures post-retirement. The feedback of business bodies was sought to know their requirements so that the PBOR could be trained for jobs in the industrial sector. Mr. Pallam Raju said Andhra Pradesh was the lowest contributor of manpower to the Army, a trend that need to be reversed particularly at a time when South Asia was mired in instability.

India's 7,500 km - coastline should be carefully guarded in the aftermath of 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. These kinds of challenges show the importance of trained youth joining the three Services -- Army, Navy and Air Force, not only from A.P but other States too. The Army has sanctioned an ECHS polyclinic for Kakinada.