Patiala MLF: Armed preparedness is necessary, but peace and stability are essential for development – Dr. Balbir Singh
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ February 16,2025
The Third Patiala Military Literature Festival, organized under the Patiala Heritage Festival 2025 by the Patiala District Administration, concluded with full military grandeur at Khalsa College. The festival aimed to educate citizens about India’s rich military history and inspire youth with the glory of the armed forces.
Attending as the chief guest, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stated that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, such festivals are being held to instill awareness among students and young people about military heritage.
Speaking on global security, Dr. Balbir Singh emphasized that while military preparedness is necessary, peace and stability are crucial for environmental protection, development, and progress. He further criticized the deportation of Indians in handcuffs under the rule of those who claim to make India a “world guru,” asserting that the Punjab government stands firmly with such youth.
Honoring the wives of soldiers from Patiala district who were martyred in Rakshak Operation, Dr. Balbir Singh remarked that wars are often politically driven, and efforts must be made to prevent the loss of young lives on the borders. He reiterated that the Punjab government is committed to supporting the families of martyrs and is actively working against drug abuse through education, employment, and healthcare initiatives.
Lt. Gen. T.S. Shergill, Chairman of the Military Literature Festival Association, praised the initiative, calling it a commendable effort under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership. He emphasized Punjab’s historical contribution to the nation’s defense, urging pride in the state’s “blood-soaked heritage.”
Brigadier Tejinder Singh Bawa, Sena Medal, Commander of the 43rd Armed Brigade, expressed pride in Patiala hosting an Armed Division of the Indian Army. He highlighted that India’s military strength is recognized worldwide, with many foreign armies seeking training from Indian forces.
Patiala MLF: Armed preparedness is necessary, but peace and stability are essential for development – Dr. Balbir Singh. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav and SSP Dr. Nanak Singh addressed the gathering, stating that the Patiala Heritage and Military Literature Festival is successfully preserving and promoting Punjab’s rich heritage.
ADC (Urban Development) Navreet Kaur Sekhon and Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Babandeep Singh thanked all stakeholders for their contributions to the festival’s success.
The festival also featured traditional equestrian performances led by Jathedar Baldev Singh and Jathedar Darshan Singh, supervised by Baba Sukhdev Singh of Budha Dal Nihang Singh organization. Additionally, students of The Punjab Public School (PPS) showcased their horse-riding skills.
Brave-Heart Motorcycle Rally, Screenings of Indian Army history films, Military band performances and war equipment exhibitions, Horse riding equestrian show and Gatka demonstrations by Budha Dal Nihang Singhs, Antique and rare postage stamp exhibition by the Army and Khalsa College, Giddha performance by Government Girls’ College students, Counseling sessions on police and army recruitment, Food court and cultural exhibits, were main activities were held.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Chetinder Singh, Major General A.P. Singh, Brigadier Advitya Madan, Colonel Arun Maria, SP City Sarfaraz Alam, ADC Isha Singal, Senior Superintendent of Posts Satyam Tiwari, Khalsa College Principal Dr. Dharminder Singh Ubha, along with a large gathering of teachers, students, current and former Army officers, and residents of Patiala.
