At military lit fest, youth, ex-servicemen urged to join war against drugs

Patiala: The residents here witnessed a rare display of military splendour at the fourth Patiala Military Literature Festival held at Khalsa College on Thursday.Inaugurating the festival, health minister Dr Balbir Singh urged the youth and ex-servicemen to join the Punjab govt's intensified campaign ‘Yudh Nashiyan Virudh', calling it a new war that must be fought with the same discipline and courage as the battles on the nation's borders.He said under the guidance of chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, such festivals were being organised to educate students about India's military heritage, for which the Patiala district administration and the Military Literature Festival Association deserved appreciation.Honouring five Veer Naris, mothers and wives of soldiers martyred in various military operations, Dr Balbir Singh noted that while one war was fought on the frontlines, another was borne by the families of soldiers.He also reaffirmed the Punjab govt's commitment to supporting the families of martyrs. Let Gen Chetinder Singh, Brig Advitya Madan and Brigadier A K Unyal of the Armoured Division were also present.The festival showcased a meticulous display of the military that drew large crowds, particularly the youngsters. They were fascinated by drones showcased for their crucial role in Operation Sindoor.Deputy commissioner Varjeet Walia thanked Lt Gen Chetinder Singh and Brig Advitya Madan for acting as an ideal bridge between the civil administration and the Armoured Division, leading to the grand success of the festival.ADC Ismat Vijay Singh, the nodal officer for the Military Literature Festival, RTO Babandeep Singh Walia said students from PPS Nabha demonstrated impressive horse-riding skills.Ismat said the festival also featured ‘Brave-Heart Motorcycle Rally', films highlighting the history and valour of the Indian Army, military band displays, storytelling sessions on bravery, exhibitions of tanks and war equipment, archery demonstrations, bhangra and giddha performances by university and college students, as well as counselling sessions for police and Army recruitment.A food court and cultural activities further added to the festival's appeal, drawing large participation from students and residents, he added.As part of the Military Literature Festival's academic engagements, YPS Patiala hosted a stimulating session featuring two key presentations on current global flashpoints. Brig Advitya Madan analysed the geopolitical background and present status of Greenland, the USA-Iran standoff, and the Gaza peace accord, while Maj Gen Harvijay Singh briefed the audience on the Venezuela crisis.Earlier in the day, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the cenotaph near YPS Chowk to honour the war martyrs. Wreaths were laid by Lt Gen Chetinder Singh, Brig Advitya Madan, Brigadier Peeyush Babberwal, DC Varjeet Walia, ADC Ismat Vijay Singh, and RTO Babandeep Singh Walia.Following the wreath laying ceremony, Yadavindra Public School hosted the Bravehearts Rally – a motorbike rally featuring more than a hundred riders. The rally was flagged off from the YPS Stadium in the presence of senior military officers, district officials and students.The rally aimed to honour the nation's bravehearts and inspire students to consider the armed forces as a noble and meaningful career option.The festival featured an exhibition of military tanks, cannons, war weapons, documentary films, horse stunts and archery. The entire event stood as a remarkable blend of military pride, patriotic fervour and academic enrichment, leaving a deep and lasting impression on all attendees.MSID:: 128260081 413 |