As is the tradition of the festival, the formal launch in Chandigarh began with a spirited motorcycle rally. Earlier, a ceremony to pay tribute to the martyrs was held at the War Memorial.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria laid a wreath at the Chandigarh War Memorial, followed by former Army Chief General VP Malik, former Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Lieutenant General (Retired) TS Shergill, Chairman of the MLF Association, which organizes the Military Literature Festival, and other veterans.
Punjab Police personnel, dressed in ceremonial attire, reversed their weapons in honor of the martyred soldiers, while buglers played the final blow. A large number of NCC cadets were also present on the occasion. NCC cadets also play a role in maintaining the arrangements during MLF.
Governor Kataria flagged off a motorcycle rally to commemorate the service, sacrifices, and achievements of the heroes of the 1965 Indo-Pak War. The rally passed through Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula and concluded at Chandimandir.
More than 650 riders, including members of various bike clubs in the region and 16 former soldiers, participated in the rally. These included approximately 100 riders from three women’s groups: “Mitraan Di Motorcycle Mandali” led by Shalini, “One Biker Divas” led by Harneet Kaur, and “The Motorcyclists (Women)” led by Hardeep Singh.
The Punjab government, the Chandigarh administration, and the Indian Army jointly organize this festival every winter. Stalls selling literature related to the military, soldiers, and security, as well as book releases and discussions on similar topics, are also held.
Operation Sindoor:
Discussions on historical events related to the military, security, and war, as well as lectures and debates on current and contemporary events, are also held. Therefore, it is expected that programs related to Operation Sindoor and the events surrounding it will be a highlight of the Military Literature Festival 2025.
India launched Operation Sindoor in May 2025 to avenge the killing of 26 tourists by Pakistani terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025 and to destroy terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. This quickly escalated into a war between the armies of the two countries, but was also abruptly halted. India claims that it stopped military action after Pakistani military officials initiated a ceasefire request, while the US takes credit for stopping the war.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed from the outset that he prevented the 2025 India-Pakistan war. India’s top leadership has never effectively refuted Trump’s claim.
