10th Military Literature Festival, Chandigarh

10th Military Literature Festival, Chandigarh

10th Military Literature Festival Opens in Chandigarh; Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Calls for Defence Self-Reliance and Greater Understanding of Changing Warfare

Both the Special Cover and the post mark are unique for Chandigarh because the Chief Post Master General Chd and punjab Circle presented the same to the Governor

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.