Punjab Governor V. P. Singh Badnore today dedicated MLF 2018 to the valour of the over 74000 Indians who had laid their lives in the First World War.Inaugurating the Military Literature Festival at the Lake Club Chandigarh, he termed the MLF as a befitting tribute to the unknown martyrs, to mark centenary year of the Great War.Thanking Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh for educating the younger generation about the sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers, through the unique platform of MLF, the governor expressed satisfaction over the perfectly conceptualised festival.Recalling the unparalleled sacrifice of the Indian soldiers in the World War-1 and II, 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".The governor 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.
He 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.The governor 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.