Fourth Patiala Military Literature Festival becomes a centre of attraction for youth and Patialvis at Khalsa College
Patiala News: Patiala residents 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 Government’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 that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, such festivals are being organised to educate students about India’s military heritage, for which the Patiala District Administration and the Military Literature Festival Association deserve appreciation.
Honouring five Veer Naris, mothers and wives of soldiers martyred in various military operations, Dr. Balbir Singh noted that while one war is fought on the frontlines, another is borne by the families of soldiers. He reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to supporting the families of martyrs. Let Gen Chetinder Singh, Brig Advitya Madan & Brigadier A.K. Unyal of the Armoured Division was also present on the occasion.
The festival included a meticulous equipment display that drew large crowds, particularly youngsters fascinated by drones showcased for their crucial role in Operation Sindoor. Representing the civil administration, 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 Patiala Heritage Festival.
MLF Nodal Officer ADC Dr. Ismat Vijay Singh and RTO Babandeep Singh Walia said that students from PPS Nabha also demonstrated impressive horse-riding skills. Dr. Ismat added that the festival featured a 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.
As part of the MLF’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 morning, 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, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, ADC Ismat Vijay Singh, and RTO Babandeep Singh Walia. Following this, Yadavindra Public School hosted the Bravehearts Rally, a motorbike rally featuring more than a hundred riders. The rally was flagged off at the YPS Stadium in the presence of senior military officers, district officials and students, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with pride and patriotism. 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 entire event stood as a remarkable blend of military pride, patriotic fervour and academic enrichment, leaving a deep and lasting impression on all attendees.
