Army bands together with students

Students in India have drawn inspiration from the Australian Army Band during a performance in Visakhapatnam (Visag) to celebrate our oceans during Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2022.

CAPTION: The Australian Army Band with students at the marine ecology event in Visakhapatnam. Story and photo by Flying Officer Brent Moloney.

In between Army’s vibrant renditions of hits from the 1980s, students shared their own performances to promote the world’s largest shared natural resource and protect marine ecosystems from damage caused by single-use plastics and other contaminants.

Army Major David Broughton was in awe of the enthusiasm and passion the students brought to their presentations.

“The Australian Army Band’s energy was infectious, but the kids stole the show,” Major Broughton said.

“The students impressed our sailors, soldiers and aviators with an art exhibition, creative skits, inventions and motivational talks designed to clean up our seas.”

The Indian Youth Society, Coding4Kids and the Australian Consulate-General Chennai capitalised on the ADF’s visit to showcase recent improvements in Visag, with the city now ranked as India’s fourth cleanest city – up from ninth in 2021.

Mr Appal Reddy, founder of the Indian Youth Society, thanked the band for their help in engaging the students and drawing a crowd.

“We must all work together to keep our oceans clean and safe and today we have sent our message loud and clear,” Mr Reddy said.

“Thank you to the ADF for promoting this great cause and sharing a wonderful experience with us.”

Indo-Pacific Endeavour is Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity focused on engaging at all levels with our neighbours in the region.

This year IPE involves more than 1800 personnel visiting 14 countries. India was the 10th country visited by IPE22 units since the activity began in late September, and the second port visit for Adelaide and Anzac.

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