Punjab to hold military lit fest at district, university levels: CM
CHANDIGARH: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced to expand the ambit of the Military Literature Festival by hosting it at district and university levels across the state.
He was chairing the felicitation ceremony of the two-day festival, which concluded at the Sukhna Lake on Sunday.
After two years of pandemic-induced online format, the festival was held in physical mode this year. The theme of this year’s festival was ‘The armed forces: Serving free India for 75 years’, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Independence and services of armed forces in preserving freedom.
The CM said in the future, the state government will hold this festival at district and university levels to apprise the youth about the rich legacy of the armed forces, and rekindle the motivating spirit for joining the army in them. The CM said this is the need of the hour to imbibe a feeling of nationalism and patriotism amongst youth, thereby inspiring them to join the armed forces.
Lauding the pivotal role of the armed forces in making India the biggest and “most successful” democracy of the world, the CM said democracy thrived in India successfully because the armed forces have played a key role in safeguarding its ethos. He said apart from safeguarding borders of the country, the armed forces have also upheld the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation.
Mann said: “Due to this only, India has today emerged as the most successful democracy across the globe.” Citing an example of Pakistan, the CM said democracy never survived there as the army toppled the elected governments in the neighbouring country a number of times. On the contrary, in India democracy has been a successful phenomenon due to the active role of the armed forces, he said.
Mann said it was only due to this that a common man like him has become the CM of the state.
He also hailed the Indian Army for its dedication, commitment and patriotism, adding that bravery and heroism of the Indian army finds no parallel in the world. Mann said the Indian armed forces have scripted several inspirational stories with their valour.
Every countryman is indebted to the Indian armed forces for their unparalleled contribution towards service of nation, Mann said.
“When each one of us is sleeping with our families, the Armed forces are protecting our borders by braving scorching heat and freezing cold weather conditions,” he added.
Mann said as a humble tribute to the brave soldiers who had laid their lives for safeguarding borders of the country and maintaining law and order, the state government has enhanced honorarium given to the families of martyred soldiers to Rs 1 crore.
He also recalled his strong ties with the Army veterans and armed forces.
On the occasion, the CM released books and felicitated eminent persons who had participated in the fest.