he second and concluding day of the Military Literature Festival, 2024 saw large crowds witness the many attractions of the event and listen in rapt attention to the panel discussions, book reviews and talks.

The day got off to a flying start with a sentimental look at the legacy of the late, great Punjabi poet Surjit Pattar. Speaking in Punjabi the panel consisting of Principal Attamjit Singh, Dr Manmohan Singh, IPS and Manraj Pattar paid rich tributes to Pattar Sahib’s memory.

Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma and Maj Gens Govind Dwivedi and Sudhakar Jee discussed Domains of Modern Warfare with Regard to India, Pakistan and China with gravitas displaying their expertise born out of rich combat experience.

Shifting Geo-Strategic Significance of the Af-Pak Region was discussed by Mr RK Kaushik, IAS, Lt Gen Kamal Davar and Sumeer Bhasin. Grey Zone Warfare, Disruptive Technologies and Non-State Actors in the West Asian Conflicts was the last panel discussion of the day. It featured the former naval Chief, Admiral Sunil Lanba, Maj Gen Neeraj Bali and Maj Gen Harvijay Singh in an animated discussion over a conflict-ridden geographical area where low intensity warfare has divided the world with the potential of igniting a Third World War.

Shifting Geo-Strategic Significance of the Af-Pak Region was discussed by Mr RK Kaushik, IAS, Lt Gen Kamal Davar and Sumeer Bhasin. Grey Zone Warfare, Disruptive Technologies and Non-State Actors in the West Asian Conflicts was the last panel discussion of the day. It featured the former naval Chief, Admiral Sunil Lanba, Maj Gen Neeraj Bali and Maj Gen Harvijay Singh in an animated discussion over a conflict-ridden geographical area where low intensity warfare has divided the world with the potential of igniting a Third World War.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS AND TALKS  

The 8th Military Literature Festival held at the Lake Club, Chandigarh concluded successfully with insightful sessions that celebrated military history and contemporary defence strategies. The event brought together veterans, scholars and military enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of armed forces through compelling literary works. 

During the book discussion session in the first session today, author, journalist and war correspondent Vikram Jit Singh held forth on his book “Flowers on a Kargil Cliff”. The author offered a moving reflection on the bravery and sacrifices of ordinary soldiers and non-combatants during the Kargil conflict of 1999. Lt Gen PM Bali who discussed the book with the author highlighted the book’s vivid portrayal of the human spirit in warfare, emphasizing the emotional and strategic lessons drawn from the Kargil experience.  

During the second session, renowned author, editor and analyst Pravin Sawhney gave a talk on the topic “PLA’s Modern Warfare”. He provided a comprehensive analysis of the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its implications for India. Discussions centred on China’s evolving military strategies, technological advancements, and their impact on the geopolitical stability of the region. 

In the last session the book “Military History of the Sikhs: From the Battle of Bhangani to World War II” by  Jashandeep Singh Kang and Col DS Cheema was discussed. The discussion was led by. Lt Gen RS Sujlana. In this engaging session the authors traced the valorous journey of the Sikh military tradition, from early battles like Bhangani to significant contributions during World War II.

The Clarion Call theatre was as usual a big hit with its mix of military documentaries and informative shorts. 

The festival reinforced its commitment to honouring the armed forces’ legacy and promoting discourse on modern and historical military issues.

The Organising Committee wishes to thank the Punjab Govt, Western Command, the Chandigarh Administration and the people of the region for their wholehearted support once again to the Festival. The Festival could not have been possible without the devoted hard work of a large number of enthusiastic volunteers, added Mr. Mandeep Singh Bajwa, Chairman, Media Committee.