CHANDIGARH: The MLF Organising Committee’s back with yet another edition, the 8th this time, of the Military Literature Festival, Chandigarh. The military historical theme is the 25th anniversary of the triumph in the Kargil War, 1999. It is therefore appropriate that the event’s venues are named after the young officers and men who were awarded the Param Vir Chakra for supreme valour and devotion to duty to the point of courting death. Appropriate because Kargil, 1999 was a war of young company and platoon commanders and the brave men they so gallantly led up those perilously steep slopes and razor-sharp ridges.
This year’s festival will open to a tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil War through a wreath-laying at the Regional War Memorial, Sector 2, Chandigarh on Sunday, 17th November led by HE Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh. A Bravehearts Ride in the form of a mobike rally will then carry this message of courage, sacrifice and patriotism to the corners of the Tricity through the combined roar of 1286 motorcycles who would’ve driven in from distant towns of the region. It will be flagged off from near Chandigarh Club. Once again. MLF would showcase technology, youth power and the positive energy of sports and deliver a message of physical well-being and against drugs, crime and terrorism. Appropriately, the Bravehearts Ride will conclude at the Khetarpal Officers Mess and Institute, Chandimandir.
Lt Gen TS Shergill, PVSM Chairman, Military Literature Festival Organising Committee said that the main event will be held on the weekend of 30th November and 1st December at the Lake Club consisting of panel discussions on topics of strategic, military and historic interest featuring the top thinkers, writers, authors and analysts. There will also be discussions on books of appropriate interest. The usual exhibitions, stalls, books, cultural performances and military equipment display will as always enhance the interest and enjoyment of the spectators. We appeal to the denizens of the Tricity to turn out in large numbers and enjoy themselves. The hugely popular Clarion Call theatre will as always provide an eclectic mix of infotainment and pleasure and deliver much food for thought.
Today is the birth anniversary of the maker of modern India and the champion of scientific temper, Jawaharlal Nehru and also Children’s Day. Let us resolve to use the best possible technology to make the lives of our children safer and their future bright and joyful.
Lt Gen TS Shergillsaid, " We would like to thank the Punjab Government for once again financing the event and our other partners, Western Command and the Chandigarh Administration for contributing in multiple ways. Lastly, a big vote of thanks for our dedicated volunteers who’ve worked selflessly throughout the year to once again bring this premier event in from of the viewing public".