Terming the medium of literature as the most potent weapon to inspire youngsters towards defence services, the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday said that valour exhibited by sons and daughters of Punjab in different wars was a perennial source of motivation for the entire nation.
The Governor was speaking here after inaugurating the 8th edition of the Military Literature Festival (MLF) being organised at the Lake Sports Complex. The two-day event beginning today is being held here to offer youngsters a peep into military life and to nurture future defence leaders. "The festival not only celebrates India’s glorious military heritage but also underscores the role of military literature in enhancing knowledge and fostering patriotism among citizens, the Governor said.
Highlighting the increasing participation of women in the armed forces, the Governor said it marked a progressive step towards gender equality and inclusivity in our forces. The Governor commended the efforts of the Festival organisers in encouraging and preparing young boys and girls to join the military, contributing significantly to national security and defence.
India’s strides toward self-reliance in defence under the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat were another focal point of the Governor’s address. He proudly noted that India is not only manufacturing state-of-the-art weapons and military equipment but is also emerging as a key exporter of defence technology to other nations. This, he said, reflects India’s growing stature as a global power in military innovation.
The Governor recalled India’s historic achievement under the leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during the Pokhran nuclear tests. “Pokhran was a turning point that showcased to the world India’s capability and resolve. It was a moment of national pride that established our nation as a formidable nuclear power,” he remarked, urging the youth to draw inspiration from such milestones in India’s military history.
The festival’s theme, “Wars Under the Nuclear Umbrella,” aligns with discussions on contemporary global challenges and India’s preparedness for future conflicts. Various panel discussions are scheduled on topics like the war in Ukraine, regional instability, and advancements in defence technology.
In his address, the Governor reiterated the importance of military literature as a tool to inspire future generations. He urged the festival’s organizers to expand its reach to villages across the state, ensuring that stories of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism resonate with every corner of Punjab. The Governor also proposed publishing an annual magazine to preserve and disseminate the event’s rich content to schools and colleges.
The Governor emphasized the need for retired military officers to engage with students, sharing their experiences to inspire them to join the armed forces. “Your life stories, struggles, and achievements can ignite a sense of duty and patriotism in the youth, shaping them as future defenders of our nation,” he said.
The event also features a grand military equipment exhibition organized by the Army’s Western Command, showcasing India’s defence capabilities. The Governor lauded the efforts of Lt. Gen. T.S. Shergill and Lt. Gen. Manoj Kumar Katiyar for organizing this world-class festival and urged all citizens to reflect on India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence and military excellence.
The 8th Military Literature Festival, Chandigarh continues to be a unique platform for celebrating the nation’s rich martial legacy while fostering discussions on the challenges and opportunities in modern warfare and global security.With China, Russia, Pak Coming Forming An Axis, India Left To Fend For Its Own: Manish Tewari Lays Out Grave Challenges To Global Security Paradigm