PUNJAB GOVERNOR GULAB CHAND KATARIA INAUGURATES 8TH ESSAY OF MILITARY LITERATURE FESTIVAL (MLF), LAUDS MLF ORGANISERS FOR DILIGENTLY CARRYING ON WITH THE FLAME OF PATRIOTISM TO INSPIRE YOUNGSTERS IN SERVICE OF NATION

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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 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 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, ADDS IF TRUMP SUCCEEDS IN HIS ISOLATIONIST THINKING, WORLD WOULD BE IN GREATER TURMOIL

Underlining that Russian invasion of Ukraine had unleashed an amorphous grouping of state alliances with potential to upend global security architecture, the eminent writer on defence matters and incumbent Chandigarh Member Parliament Manish Tewari, former Union Information and Broadcasting Minister on Saturday said that the axis of Russia-China-North Korea-Iran had dangerously jeopardized the nuclear order put out under the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT) mechanism posing a threat to international peace and stability. 

In the backdrop of current geo political developments with ongoing Russian-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict, India is on its own, Tewari said here mincing no words, while adding that a calibrated approach was required to wade through the irrevocably changing global security situation. 

Tewari was sharing his mind here at the inaugural session at the 8th iteration of the Military Literature Festival (MLF), as part of a group discussion on 'Implications for India vis-a-vis the West in the backdrop of the Axis of Russia-China-North Korea-Iran pivot of geography.' The session was moderated by Major General Dr Mandip Singh, who laid out the scope and ambition of world powers to grab land, energy and defence resources for their nations for the next two decades. 

We as a nation need to evolve a comprehensive security doctrine to negotiate this situation and tide above efforts to constrain us globally where on one side China and Russia are both getting closer to Pakistan, Tewari said. Our security and energy needs make us dependent on Russia while we need to be cognisant of the fact that Russia is not putting all its eggs in one basket (India) and is hedging its bet by trying to forge a relationship with Pakistan, our immediate and persistent security threat, Tewari added. 

Referring to the Trump election, Tewari said, if Trump as a US President gets his way to enforce his isolationist tendencies and unravel the US role from global responsibility it has so proudly overtaken since the World War II, the world would be in a greater turmoil for which Indian security establishment and policy planners need to deliberate upon very seriously. 

Referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tewari said it won’t come as a surprise if the US had known about the invasion a year or more before. "Did the US let Russia invade Ukraine to force Russia to suffer another Afghanistan, Tewari said. The fact that Putin visited only India just before the invasion must not be lost on anyone, Tewari added.

INDIA'S CONSTITUTION ENDOWED TO TACKLE ANY CHALLENGE; EXPERTS TACKLE PERSPECTIVES OVER NEED TO HAVE A NOTIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY 

Indian laws and the Constitution are robust and fully capable of tackling each and every security challenge and there is no immediate need to have a notified National Security Policy for India. The views were expressed by experts during a group discussion at the Military Literature Festival here on Saturday on the topic 'National Security Policies in Democratic Countries'. 

Sharing his thoughts during the discussion, Lt. General Surinder Singh said that for a nation as diverse as India, to not have a written policy on this aspect is like having a policy. Why should one clearly lay out its security plans and aims publicly by having an advertiser policy framework, more so in a volatile global security architecture as today's, Lt. Gen. Surinder Singh further said. 

While some countries like China aim for securitisation of everything, India needs better coordination amongst all its security agencies to tackle any emergent threat in an efficient manner, he added. Our responses in a critical situation are narrowing each time despite spending millions of crores on security set up, Lt. Gen. Surinder Singh said raising the need to audit our measures and take correctives if required. 

Laying out the role of Civil Services in ensuring overall defence stability of a nation, former Punjab Special Chief Secretary KBS Sidhu, IAS raised the question of whether a democratic set up like India is a hindrance to having a National Security Policy as China, Pakistan or other democratic countries have. 

We need cohesion amongst our different arms of security establishment to avert the tendency of monopolising intelligence sharing, Sidhu suggested. India needs to make itself more resilient by ramping up the security infrastructure by investing more in defence, Sidhu added. 

Earlier, during the discussion, Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi said that the muddy waters of the geo-political set up require a dynamic approach for which concerted and time bound efforts are required to be taken aggressively for India to have a safe future.

SUCCESSFUL BOOK DISCUSSIONS MARK 8TH MILITARY LITERATURE FESTIVAL  

The first day of 8th Military Literature Festival, held on Saturday, at the Lake Club, Chandigarh, witnessed an enthusiastic response with engaging book discussions that captivated military enthusiasts, historians, and the public alike. The event showcased in-depth conversations featuring esteemed authors and distinguished veterans, celebrating India's rich military heritage and valour. 

The first day of the programme featured three thought-provoking sessions: 

"General's Jottings" is the latest book written by Lt Gen KJ Singh in which he has held forth his views on the different aspects of India’s military policy and security policy. The discussion was led by Maj Gen Shammi Rai. General Singh’s compelling and forthright views on leadership, duty, and personal experiences, resonated deeply with the audience. 

In the second session discussions were held on the book "Requiem for a Soldier" by Abhishek Sanyal. This is a tribute to soldiers' sacrifices in such diverse battlefields like Hydaspes and Verdun and struck an emotional chord. Maj Gen AP Singh was the discussant with the author and his analysis brought out the poignant themes of resilience and honour, emphasizing the human side of military service.

In the last session, a discussion on the book "Valour and Honour: Indian Army Through the Ages" edited by Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh and Maj Gen Ian Cardozo were held 

This session traced the Indian Army's rich history and enduring legacy. It highlighted key milestones and contributions, showcasing the timeless spirit of the armed forces. Maj Gen Dr. Mandip Singh held the discussion with the Maj Gen Jagatbir Singh, the co-editor. 

The festival underscored the importance of preserving and sharing military stories, fostering a deeper understanding of India’s defence forces and their sacrifices. Attendees lauded the event for its insightful dialogue and its tribute to the nation's heroes.

The Clarion Call theatre as usual informed and entertained the public with its brilliant offerings including military documentaries.