10TH MILITARY LITERATURE FESTIVAL OPENS IN CHANDIGARH
Face2News/Chandigarh
The 10th Military Literature Festival (MLF), Chandigarh, commenced with a series of thought-provoking deliberations on contemporary warfare, global geopolitics, India’s defence preparedness and the rich military heritage of the country.
The inaugural session opened with the screening of a short film, followed by an address by the Festival Chairman Lt Gen Tajinder Singh Shergill, PVSM who welcomed and thanked the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Member of Parliament Manish Tewari highlighted four defining dimensions of the changing global security environment: the growing significance of asymmetric and drone warfare, lessons emerging from the Russia–Ukraine and US–Iran conflicts, the strategic importance of dual-use frontier technologies, and the widening defence expenditure gap between major global powers. He observed that the existing world order was undergoing profound disruption, with far-reaching implications for international security.
Governor Calls for Defence Self-Reliance and Recognition of India’s Military Heritage
Declaring the 10th Military Literature Festival open, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria underscored Chandigarh’s unique connection with the armed forces, given the significant presence of serving and retired defence personnel in the city.
Highlighting India’s military history and the wars fought since Independence, he paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of Indian soldiers. He emphasised that national security requires both strength and a commitment to peace, particularly in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment.
The Governor stressed the importance of technological self-reliance and indigenous defence production, observing that the character of warfare is rapidly evolving with the emergence of artificial intelligence, drones and other advanced technologies.
He also drew attention to drug and arms trafficking as serious security challenges, describing their wider implications in the context of asymmetric warfare. Expressing concern over Punjab’s drug menace, he highlighted the need to understand and confront the larger forces and international networks sustaining this challenge.
The occasion also witnessed the release of the Military Literature Festival magazine and a book. The Governor congratulated the organisers for bringing together military literature, history, strategic thought and public engagement through the festival, including its weapons display and exhibitions.
Panel 1 Iran–Israel Conflict
A strategic session examined the Iran–Israel conflict and its implications for the wider West Asian region and global security.
Lt Gen K.J. Singh presented a historical and geopolitical perspective on Iran–Israel relations, tracing their evolution from a period of cooperation between 1948 and 1978 to the subsequent transformation following the Iranian Revolution. He examined the Syrian civil war, the emergence of direct confrontation and the role of the regional Axis of Resistance involving Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.
Israeli strategic commentator Shay Gal discussed the ongoing conflict, US global interests and the centrality of Jerusalem to the Israeli people. He also touched upon US–Pakistan strategic relations and distinguished between a change of government and a fundamental change of political regime.
Ambassador P.S. Hayer presented an assessment of Iran’s political and strategic outlook, discussing the country’s inward-looking political structure, religious influence, economic dependencies and nuclear enrichment trajectory. He also examined the implications of American domestic politics, including the US midterm elections, for Washington’s approach towards Israel.
Brig Arun Sehgal identified four critical dimensions of the conflict: Iran’s nuclear capabilities, its capacity for retaliation, the expanding role of drones and the involvement of non-state actors, including Hamas and the Houthis. His analysis also covered the Strait of Hormuz, strategic shelters and the implications of possible escalation involving tactical nuclear weapons.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, with students engaging the panellists on the geopolitical and security implications of the conflict.
Panel 2: Baba Deep Singh Shaheed: The Legendary Saint-Soldier
Another significant session explored the extraordinary legacy of Baba Deep Singh Shaheed, examining the intersection of spirituality, scholarship, courage and the Sikh martial tradition.
Col Har Simran Singh presented Baba Deep Singh as the embodiment of the Sikh ideal of the saint-soldier. He explained the concept of the Khalsa, drew upon historical accounts of Sikh valour and examined how Sikh scholarship understands the philosophy of warfare, resistance and the preservation of faith. He also highlighted the central role of Harmandir Sahib as a spiritual and historical rallying point.
Dr Amarjeet Singh explored the spiritual foundations of the Sikh warrior tradition, the teachings and philosophy of the Gurus, and the significance of the Panj Pyare in shaping the collective Sikh identity and ethos.
Dr Karamjit Malhotra provided historical context on the Sikh tradition of martyrdom, the role of the Gurdwara in preserving collective memory and the evolution of Sikh military ethos.
The session offered an important perspective on how faith, sacrifice, discipline and courage have shaped India’s historical and military heritage.
The 10th Military Literature Festival continues to provide an important national platform for military veterans, strategic thinkers, historians, scholars, policymakers and young people to engage with India’s defence legacy and the e [5:15 pm, 13/11/2026] Amanpreet Virk: 10th Military Literature Festival Opens in Chandigarh; Focus on Global Conflicts, Regional Security and India’s Defence Preparedness
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