War veterans, including Captain Bana Singh PVC, on Friday shared their inspiring experiences of the battlefield with students to motivate them to join the Indian Army.More than 1000 students from Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Rupnagar participated in the 'Children’s Samvadh' during the Military Literature Festival to create awareness among them about the armed forces and their rich legacy.Interacting with the students at the 'Saragarhi Samvad' venue, the veterans spoke about the challenges faced during their service tenure, besides discussing the role of military literature in motivating youngsters to join the armed forces in the service of their motherland.The students freely intermingled with Captain Bana Singh, who got the highest gallantry award Paramveer Chakra in recognition to his exemplary courage and bravery, and heard his stories of courage at the Siachen glacier.
Captain Bana Singh told the students about the arduous duty performed by him and several other soldiers in harsh weather conditions at Siachen glacier. Sharing his experience, the Paramveer awardee revealed how the enemy was defeated by the brave Indian soldiers, who upheld the lofty traditions of the armed forces by hoisting the national flag at the glacier post.Captain Bana Singh informed the students that till now 21 brave soldiers of the armed forces had been honoured with the coveted gallantry award of Paramveer Chakra. Of these, 14 soldiers were bestowed the award posthumously while seven were presented to war survivors, of whom only three were alive.Lieutenant Colonel Harbant Singh Kahlon Veer Chakra, Subedar Dhian Singh Seva Medal, Squadron Leader PPS Gill Veer Chakra, NK Hazaari Lal Gurjar Sewa Medal and other eminent officers of the Indian army also shared their vast experience in armed forces.The veterans called upon the students to join the Indian Army, as it was not merely a profession to earn livelihood but a matter of pride and honour to serve the country.