On the opening day of Military Literature Festival 2018, students from predominantly remote rural areas were awestruck with the valour of decorated officers, who interacted with the students and shared their heroic tales, even as the Clarion Theatre drew large crowds, especially among youngsters, with its exciting Audio Visuals.Sub Maj Yogindra Singh Yadav, Param Vir Chakra, Col HS Kahlon, VrC, Col Balwan Singh, MVC, Col GS Bajwa, and several other decorated officers of the Indian armed forces interacted with the students during the Saragarhi Samvadh on the sidelines of the MLF here today. The war veterans shared their inspiring experiences of the battlefield, as well as of the armed forces, with students to motivate them to join the armed forces.Amarpal Singh, a student of a local government school, said that he was mesmerised after listening to the real life stories. He said that while interacting with Sub Maj Yogindra Singh Yadav, Param Vir Chakra awardee, he came to know of several interesting things about the Indian Army and especially about the Kargil War. He was impressed with the fact that even after receiving 17 bullet injuries during the Kargil War, Sub Maj Yogindra Singh Yadav was still so active.
Col Balwan Singh interacted with the students of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and gave them information about joining the Indian Army through the Services Selection Board (SSB).The Clarion Auditorium also became a centre of attraction for the younger generation through movies, documentaries, audio visuals and presentations on heroic deeds and naval action. The movies showcased today included Rakshak-E-Hind, a motivational film about the armed forces, a film on the biggest tank battle of 1965 war showcasing 3rd cavalry blasting Pakistani tanks in Khemkaran sector, another one titled, Heroes of Dograi- 3 Jat on the doorsteps of Lahore during the 1965 war, a film about the Naval action during the 1971 war. Later, films and documentaries regarding an all women Army Mount Everest Expedition, another named Army-An instrument of National Power and Pride, about Naval Aviation, besides several others, were showcased, on the first day of Military Literature Festival 2018.The school students, in particular, cherished the event and said that on seeing these films, they came to know about the various aspects of the armed forces, as well as about the sacrifices made by the armed personnel.