Curtains on Military Literature Festival
The third Patiala Military Literature Festival, organised under the Patiala Heritage Festival 2025 by the Patiala District Administration, concluded with full military splendour at Khalsa College. The festival aimed to educate the public about India’s rich military history and inspire youth with the legacy of the armed forces.
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, who attended as the chief guest, emphasised that such festivals are held under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to raise awareness about military heritage among students and young people.
Lt Gen T S Shergill, Chairman of the Military Literature Festival Association, praised the initiative, highlighting Punjab’s historic contributions to the nation’s defense and encouraging pride in the state’s “blood-soaked heritage.”
Brigadier Tejinder Singh Bawa, Sena Medal, Commander of the 43rd Armed Brigade, took pride in Patiala hosting an Armed Division of the Indian Army. He pointed out that India’s military strength is globally recognised, with several foreign armies seeking training from Indian forces.
Dr Balbir Singh also addressed global security concerns, underscoring the importance of military preparedness while stressing the need for peace and stability to protect the environment, foster development, and drive progress. He criticised the deportation of Indians in handcuffs under the regime of those claiming to make India a “world guru” and reaffirmed the Punjab government's support for such youth. Dr Singh further honoured the wives of soldiers martyred in Rakshak Operation and remarked that wars, often politically driven, must be prevented to save young lives on the borders. He assured that the Punjab government is committed to supporting martyrs' families and is actively working against drug abuse through education, employment, and healthcare initiatives.
The festival also featured traditional equestrian performances by Jathedar Baldev Singh and Jathedar Darshan Singh, supervised by Baba Sukhdev Singh of Budha Dal Nihang Singh organisation, along with horse-riding displays by the Punjab Public School (PPS) students.
Key highlights of the event included the Brave-Heart Motorcycle Rally, screenings of Indian Army history films, military band performances, war equipment exhibitions, horse-riding equestrian shows, Gatka demonstrations by Budha Dal Nihang Singhs, and an antique and rare postage stamp exhibition by the Army and Khalsa College. Additionally, Giddha performances by Government Girls’ College students, counselling sessions on police and army recruitment, food courts, and cultural exhibits were also held.
Dignitaries present included Lt Gen (Retd) Chetinder Singh, Major General A P Singh, Brigadier Advitya Madan, Colonel Arun Maria, SP City Sarfaraz Alam, ADC Isha Singal, Senior Superintendent of Posts Satyam Tiwari, Khalsa College Principal Dr Dharminder Singh Ubha, among many others, including teachers, students, current and former Army officers, and local residents. Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav and SSP Dr Nanak Singh also addressed the gathering, commending the success of the Patiala Heritage and Military Literature Festival in preserving and promoting Punjab’s rich heritage. ADC (Urban Development) Navreet Kaur Sekhon and Joint Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Babandeep Singh expressed gratitude to all contributors to the festival’s success.
