Spreading cheer, Kalam in Kashmir

The President also addressed an army gathering at Thangdhar Brigade and lauded the jawans for guarding the borders and assisting civilians in times of need.

In a saink sammelan, he sidestepped protocol and, in his usual friendly style, brought cheer to the faces of the 600-strong group of jawans, refusing the special meal cooked for him and eating from a thali (platter) like the soldiers instead.

He praised the army, which had suffered heavy damages to their own bunkers and buildings, yet went to affected villages to help locals.

Image: President Kalam with jawans at Thangdhar in J&K.

Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

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