The seventh edition of the Military Literature Festival, an event that will introduce you to the real stories of bravery, glory and sacrifices of soldiers in the defence forces , will be held on 2 and 3 December 2023 in Chandigarh. This event, which depicts the history of soldiers, wars and military through different genres, is no less than a festival for a community in uniform services and the aspirants. .
Now popular as MLF Chandigarh , the festival’s latest edition has been informally started on Sunday with the Bravehearts Motorcycle Ride, flagged off by Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit. Earlier, in the day the brave soldiers were remembered by offering floral tributes at the war memorial in Chandigarh.
Former Indian Army Chief General VP Malik, former Indian Air Force Chief Sunil Lamba and former Lieutenant General TS Shergill were also present at the Chandigarh War Memorial to remember and pay respect to the martyred soldiers. Lt. Gen. Shergill is also the president of the association that organizes the Military Literature Festival. Two brave ex-servicemen and Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Bana Singh and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar also paid tribute at the memorial.
Captain Amarinder Singh, the then Chief Minister of Punjab and also an army veteran , had laid the foundation of this military event which is open to common citizens also. This time the festival has been dedicated to the memory of the martyred soldiers of the India and Pakistan War fought during 1947-48, The war took place immediately after the independence from British rule. It is now the 75th anniversary of that war.
It is obvious and hence expected that this time the Military Literature Festival will witness discussions and talks related to the war between Ukraine and Russia as well as the latest conflict between Israel and Palestine.
There will be an exhibition of weapons, ammunition and military equipment this time too which is an attraction to everybody especially for the youth, students and military aspirants community. There will also be exhibitions of paintings, photos etc. related to military culture and history . The enthusiasm of the army band and folk artists of Punjab will be visible this time also. Along with these, food stalls will also give this event the shape of a fair, which was started by the then Chief Minister of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh in 2017. Military Literature Festival has been organized every year since then with the cooperation of Punjab Government and Chandigarh Administration. Indian Army’s Western Command , with headquarters at Chandi Mandir (Panchkula), plays an important role in executing the military’s mega event in the City.
