India's first of its kind Military Literature Festival today concluded in Chandigarh, with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh expressing hope it would prove instrumental in motivating the youth to join the Army.
Delivering the valedictory address at the festival, Singh said though he was in favour of organising a historical literature festival, Punjab Governor V P S Badnore wanted a military literature festival in Chandigarh to raise awareness among people about the legacy of the armed forces, and rekindle among youth the motivating spirit to join the Indian Army.
Singh, a former Army captain, said being a part of the defence forces was a matter of pride and every youngster should be imbued with the spirit to join the forces.
He highlighted the contribution of the Armed Forces in safeguarding India's unity, integrity and sovereignty.
Noting that as a student of history he has always been passionate to relive the major episodes relating to the role of Punjabis, Singh promised that the festival would be scaled up in coming years to reach out effectively to more people and help imbibe a sense of patriotism and nationalism among the people, including the youth.
Speaking at 'National Security Strategy' panel discussion earlier in the day, former Army chief Gen. V P Malik called for the involvement of civilians to prevent terrorist attacks.
Gen. Malik touched on multiple aspects of security, including internal and external, infiltration from Pakistan, new challenges posed by China and cybercrime, the expensive combat conventional strategy, insurgency and the role of the three armed forces.
A session on the 'Indo-Pak War 1965' saw the main speakers debate the rights and wrongs of the war, with Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal joining retired Army officers in highlighting some of the key developments of that time.
Writer-historian William Dalrymple gave the audience an insight into the intrigues in Maharaja Ranjit's darbar.
He spoke about the military techniques adopted by the British and Indians during the 17th and 18th centuries.
He attributed the weakening of the empires of Ranjit Singh and Tipu Sultan in the face of the British onslaught to a lack of unity, leadership and resources.
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