The first group to lead the procession in front of distinguished guests, including all three security chiefs, and foreign delegates was the Tharu community of the Mid Division Headquarters."The national army is the representation of all ethnic communities. We want to give the message that there is no discrimination within the army," Brigadier General Tara Bahadur Karki, spokesperson of the Nepal Army, told Republica.
As far as the agitating Madhesi community is concerned, the army spokesperson said that there is a separate battalion of 800 plus soldiers of the Tarai region to make the institution inclusive. "The Sabuj Battalion is exclusively made up of the people of the Tarai belt," said Brigadier General Karki.
"We do not differentiate between people of the hills or the plains. First of all, we are all Nepalis," added the army spokesperson.
Lieutenant Colonel Ram Kaji Rana Magar, chief of the Tribhuvan Army Club, added that the concept of the traditional dance and parade exhibited on Tuesday was to highlight the "inclusive" nature of the Nepal Army.
The Eastern Division Headquarters performed traditional dance of the Kirat and Rai community while the Valley Division Headquarters showcased the Tamang selo dance to show "unity in diversity," according to Brigadier Karki.
Likewise, the Western Division Headquarters displayed the dance of the Gurung and Sherpa communities. The Mid-western and Far-western division headquarters also displayed traditional dances reflecting the communities of the region.
Besides the cultural show, Army's focus of the day was sporting events, which according to Major General Rajendra Bahadur Karki helps develop "team spirit" and "confidence" of the army.
"We have given priority to sports with the view of developing national and international players and this tournament is a means to achieve it," said the major general during his welcome speech.
According to Major General Karki, chief of the Directorate General of Military Training, the event was supposed to be held a month ago but had been postponed and centered around the capital due to the devastating earthquake of April and its aftershocks.
The inter-division tournament of army features competition in 12 different events - volleyball, basketball, football, handball, taekwondo, boxing, cycling, athletics, swimming, rugby, kabaddi and tug-of-war and will conclude on October 16, according to Lt Col Rana Magar.
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