For soldiers’ sake

The Fauji Mela organised by AWWA in the Capital drew large crowds. Vijay Mohan on the fair that showcased arts and crafts from different states

It was the Army Wives Welfare Association’s (AWWA) maiden attempt to showcase its vast and varied socio-economic activities before a wide audience. And it proved to be a resounding success.

Spread over 10 days from April 1, Fauji Mela attracted visitors to Dilli Haat as never before. Exquisite handicraft and handloom items from all regions, entertainment programme, Army band and martial dances as well as varied delicacies and cuisines were the attractions. Just about everything from everywhere in the country was available under one roof, and, at unbelievable prices. That the Army has a presence in every nook and corner of the country was apparent at the mela.

"It turned out to be an amazing event where we achieved what we wanted, to bring about awareness that AWWA is reaching out to the soldiers and their families," Mohini Daljeet Singh, President of the Western Command chapter of AWWA, said, adding that it called for a lot of hard work by the ladies over a period of time.

All commands of the Army participated in the mela, which had over a hundred stalls selling items mostly crafted by wives of Army personnel. The profits they made went to their respective AWWA centres. Talent was encouraged and individuals were also allowed to present their products like paintings and handicrafts.

On display were items that came in from remote corners of the country like the mountainous confines of Kargil and Doda and the dense, rain-soaked jungles of the North-East. The products on sale ranged from Kashmiri carpets, Bodo shawls, Noorpur chiffon, Rajasthani lehrias, Pochampalli sarees, hand-made candles, embroidery and knitting items, paper and wood objects, linen, jewellery boxes and quilts to edibles like sauces, jams and pickles. Fish sauce, home-made noodles, canned bamboo shoots and cane items were brought in from the eastern states.

Stalls of the Western Command AWWA displayed Kashmiri summer wear as well as Patiala delights like juttis and parandis, linen, bed sheets and T-shirts. Pickles made by a recently set-up cooperative of ex-servicemen in Samba and pottery items from Surajkund, which were decorated by ladies or made into lampshades, received a good response.

Another stall which drew crowds was the Gargoti Mineral Museum of Pune, which offered minerals and stones dug up from Shirdi in Maharashtra. These are said to date back 65 million years and possess aesthetic and therapeutic properties.

With the evenings came the cultural programme showcasing bhangra, giddha kalari paitu, jhanjh pataka, Gurkha haath, Naga dance, bamboo dance, chau (tiger) dance, surma, Ladakhi, Manipuri, Rajasthani, Garhwali and Kumaoni folk dances. In addition, there was a magic show and a performance by professional Indi-pop stars.

"The fair truly demonstrated unity in diversity," Daljeet Singh said. "Given our postings, we are part and parcel of the culture and ethos of the country. We imbibe the culture of the place we reside in and this makes us large-hearted and tolerant," she added.

Set up in 1966, AWWA is the largest registered NGO in the country and is aimed at the welfare of the families of Army personnel. It is now in the process of shifting its focus from welfare to economic development and social empowerment.

AWWA will empower its women members both socially and economically so that they can take part in policy-making in their chosen activity at local levels. Towards this end, it is actively collaborating to gain from the experience and mechanisms of government schemes and other NGOs and has also reached out to the ministries of defence and tourism.

Education for toddlers and special children, environmental awareness and rehabilitation of war widows are other concerns of AWWA. The mela also showcased 29 Asha schools run by AWWA for differently abled children of soldiers.

The Army’s relief and rescue operations as well as rehabilitation measures in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2004 and earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir last year were also projected at the fair.

More than 60,000 people visited the mela, which, the organisers said, was a record for any fair in Dilli Haat. Already, AWWA has an offer to hold such an event annually.

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