MILITARY LITERATURE POTENT MEANS TO FOSTER SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM IN YOUTH: GOVERNOR GULAB CHAND KATARIA   

Face2News/Chandigarh

Underscoring the salience of producing correct literature in nation-building, the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday here said that transmission of our war histories to next generation remains pivotal towards nurturing a formidable India. 

We must let our youth grasp the full import of our glorious history full of sacrifices of our soldiers in service of our motherland, Governor Kataria here said after inaugurating the 9th edition of the Military Literature Festival (MLF). 

Himself an avid motorcycle rider in his youth, Governor Kataria also accepted to join the Bravehearts Ride, a precursor to the MLF Main Event, next year. 

Governor Kataria was speaking, on the first day of the 3-day calendar event, to an eclectic gathering here at Lake Sports Complex comprising serving Military Officers, retired veterans, young students and people from general public. 

"No enemy dares to target a powerful nation. Our brave soldiers exhibited our strengths and power to the world through Operation Sindoor, Governor said while adding that the world now recognises and respects India's defence capabilities.

Noting that youth power forms the fulcrum of our dream to achieve superpower status in 2047, Governor Kataria lauded MLF organisers for diligently carrying forward the flame of patriotism to inspire youngsters and nurture future leaders. 

"It is an honour to be attending MLF second time in a row and I thank the organizers for giving me this opportunity to bow my head before the sacrifices and valour of our defence forces," Governor Kataria said in his address. 

Referring to Punjab's unmatched contribution towards defence forces, Kataria said that valour exhibited by sons and daughters of Punjab in different wars remains a perennial source of motivation for the entire nation. 

The three-day event beginning today is being held here to offer youngsters a peep into army life and to nurture future defence leaders. 

Highlighting the importance of taking MLF to the length and breadth of Punjab, HE the Governor also lauded the organisers for taking the event to Amritsar and Ferozepur this year, for people to witness defence life and be encouraged to join our defence forces. 

Our defence forces bind us as one and whole of county is eternally grateful to our soldiers, he added. 

Military Literature Festival has grown in stature ever since its inception in 2017 and has rightfully acquired the status of the most awaited annual Military Literature event across the Northern Region. 

A joint initiative of the Punjab government, Chandigarh Administration and Western Command Headquarters at Chandimandir, the annual affair offers the youngsters aspiring to join defence forces a peep into the discipline of Military life, besides laying an engrossing platform for discussions on issues of national, international and geo-political significance. 

Earlier, while welcoming the Punjab Governor, MLF Chairman Lt. Gen. TS Shergill thanked the former for his support to the Festival, which he termed as a melting pot of defence thought and strategy.

 Lauding the organisers for inspiring the youth towards service of the nation, Governor Kataria said the growing popularity of the MLF is a testimony to its overwhelming success. 

General Shergill, in his address, also delineated on multi-pronged threats emanating from electronic, space, Artificial Intelligence, and drones confronting India and said India's brightest minds remain one up on any enemy. 

MLF's theme, “Heartland and Rimland Powers in a Multi-domain Warfare and India” honours 60 years of the 1965 Indo-Pak War and the Heroes who fought it defending the motherland. 

An array of renowned speakers will be sharing their thoughts and expert views during panel discussions on contemporary global challenges and India’s preparedness for future conflicts, spread over the next 2 days also. Various panel discussions are scheduled on topics like Air Power in Multi domain warfare and Operation Sindoor, Shared heritage between the Indian and British Militaries, Daimond Jubilee of 1965 Indo-Pak War, Changing dynamics in the Af-Pak Region and Iran, besides other issues of national and global prominence.