Srishti Jaswal

srishti.jaswal@htlive.com

Chandigarh : A nostalgic Colonel SC Tyagi, 65 and retired, saidthe ongoing Military Literature Festival at the Lake Club inSector 1 was no less than a reunion for him.

The first day of the third edition of the festival on Friday saw many officers from the Indian defence forces participating. Col Tyagi said, “It is always great to visit such festivals where you can meet old friends. I had a reunion of sorts today.”

Col Tyagi was the founder commandant of the Corps Battle School in the Kashmir Valley.

He said, “I met many men from my battalion today. I met General Ved Prakash Malik and Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain and I felt so nostalgic. I look forward to such reunions every year.”

Gen Ved Prakash Malik served as the 19th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army from 1997 to 2000. He was the army chief during the Kargil War. Lt Gen Hasnain’s last assignment was as the military secretary.

Commodore SB Kesnur with the Indian Navy said he got a chance to meet Admiral Lanba here. “I am happy with the navy presence in the festival. Five serving officers are participating from various regiments.”

Admiral Sunil Lanba is a retired Indian naval officer who served as the 23rd Chief of the Naval Staff.

One Colonel Surjan Singh said he met many officers with whom he had served in the same unit. Col Surjan Singh is now retired and is a published author.