The second edition of Military Literature Festival kicked started on Friday with sessions by noted military historians, experts, and defence strategists during various panel discussions on topical subjects related to military history and literature.
Open for all, the three-day MLF is being attended by military historians from India and abroad, authors, and serving as well as retired military personnel. The Festival is a joint initiative of distinguished military historian and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore, with full support extended by the Western Command, Indian Army.
Besides panel discussions and shows related to various wars and military, the MLF will also include marshal dances, weapons display, medallion gallery, artists’ corner, cultural activities and exhibitions, food and cuisine, book fair, children’s Saragarhi Samvadh. Inaugurating the MLF at the Lake Club Chandigarh, Punjab Governor VP Singh Badnore dedicated it to the valour of the over 74,000 Indians who had laid their lives in the First World War.
He termed the MLF as a befitting tribute to the unknown martyrs, to mark centenary year of the Great War. Recalling the unparalleled sacrifice of the Indian soldiers in the two World Wars, the Governor said, “This year also marks the centenary of the Great War of 1914-1918, a time for remembrance of the 74,000 Indians who fell and 67, 000 others who were severely wounded, many of whom never recovered, and they lie in, or their ashes are interred in foreign fields”.
Badnore said that it was a matter of great pride for the country that sent 1.3 million soldiers in these expeditions. The Indian soldiers proved their mettle in these missions by winning 11 Victoria Crosses and significantly six more were won by British officers leading Indian troops, he added.
The Governor expressed satisfaction that during the festival, many important speakers would also focus on the known and unknown facets of these wars to make the younger generation aware of the unique role of Indian soldiers in these expeditions.
He appreciated the fact that the MLF was not confined to the World Wars but will also focus on the heroism and unparalleled courage of the great Maharana Pratap, Shivaji, and many other such warriors who have always been a great source of inspiration. The MLF is also going to have deliberations on Mahabharata, the world’s longest epic, which was set in this very region, he noted.
Describing Punjab as the Sword Arm of the nation and the Tricity of Chandigarh as the retirement hub of military stalwarts, the Governor said that on assuming charge of Administrator UT, he found that approximately 90 Lieutenant Generals and 133 Major Generals were living in the City Beautiful after retirement. “I found that no other city that I know of can boast of so many senior and distinguished retired and serving officers staying in one city,” he said.