From early morning to late evening, the day remained packed with activities. Sports competitions were held at the MANIT Sports Complex, where officers competed in various indoor and outdoor games. Participants took part in events designed to encourage teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition, reflecting the service’s emphasis on physical endurance and mental agility.
In the evening, officers and their families gathered at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal, for a cultural programme that marked the closing segment of the meet. For the cultural evening, participating officers were divided into teams named after major rivers of Madhya Pradesh—Chambal, Narmada, Tapi, and Betwa. Members of these teams showcased their artistic skills through dance and singing performances set to popular Hindi film songs.
Organisers said the cultural programme was intended to provide a relaxed platform for officers to express creativity beyond their professional roles. Performances were followed by a formal awards ceremony, where winners of various sports competitions were felicitated. The event concluded with a community dinner, offering an opportunity for informal interaction among officers and their families.
The service meet had commenced a day earlier with a cultural evening at the IIFM campus. Serving and retired IFS officers, along with their family members, participated in the inaugural programme. A key highlight of the first day was a fancy dress competition for children up to Class I. Young participants appeared on stage dressed as iconic figures such as Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, police officers, and wildlife characters including tigers, drawing widespread appreciation from the audience.
Officials noted that the children’s confident performances and creative costumes added a special charm to the evening. Dance performances, solo and group singing, and short theatrical acts by family members further enriched the programme.
According to senior officers, the service meet was not limited to entertainment or competition alone. It served as a platform to strengthen bonds among officers, encourage family involvement, and foster a sense of unity within the forest service community. Such gatherings, they said, play an important role in enhancing morale and reinforcing shared values among officers working in challenging field conditions.
