Punjab to honour soldiers with statues at key entry points: Sond
Gateways are being constructed at several entry points to Punjab to honour the sacrifices and contributions of soldiers. Speaking at the concluding session of the 8th Military Literature Festival here on Sunday, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced plans to erect statues of martyred and gallantry-awarded soldiers in a landscaped stretch of 1 km along roads leading to the state from Haryana.
Each statue will be accompanied by a headstone inscribed with details of the soldier’s contributions. Sond said this initiative aims to raise awareness among visitors about the state’s military heritage while serving as a fitting tribute to its heroes.
Highlighting Punjab’s rich martial legacy and its significant role in past wars, Sond affirmed the state’s readiness to stand by the nation whenever required. He praised the successful conclusion of the festival, emphasising its role in connecting the past, present and future. Such events, he added, not only celebrate military achievements but also address national security issues and inspire the youth.
Imperative for India to be part of global value chain
China’s coercion of India stems from its perception of India as a rising power with immense potential across various spheres, compounded by India’s strong ties with Western nations. Additionally, peninsular India’s proximity to China’s vital sea lanes of communication in the Indian Ocean adds to the friction.
These observations were shared by Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma (retd), former General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps, Leh, during a session on “Domains of Modern Warfare with regard to India, Pakistan and China” at the fest. He noted that today’s geopolitical environment operates on the principle of “might is right”, with few effective mechanisms for conflict resolution.
Discussing Pakistan, Sharma described it as a fractured nation bound by an anti-India sentiment, despite deep cultural links with India. He stressed the need for India to integrate into the global value chain and economic ecosystem, leveraging partnerships with technologically advanced nations to achieve its goals.
Maj Gen DD Dwivedi (retd), former military attaché to China, emphasised the Chinese approach of operating outside conventional norms, making them challenging neighbours and formidable competitors. He highlighted their well-defined roadmap for military and economic strategies, underscoring the need for India to remain vigilant and strategic in its response.
China’s presence in Indian Ocean
China’s goal is a unipolar Asia and, at most, a bipolar world, said Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma (retd) during a discussion at the Military Literature Festival. He warned that China would continue to pressure India and react aggressively to any assertion of India’s power, underscoring the need for India to enhance its comprehensive national power to counter such strategies.
Speaking at a session on Grey Zone Warfare, former Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba highlighted the increasing presence of Chinese ships in the Indian Ocean. At any given time, six to eight Chinese vessels, including anti-piracy escorts, research and hydrographic survey ships and satellite tracking vessels, operate in the region. Lanba pointed out that these vessels might also be conducting surveys for potential submarine deployments.
Citing China’s activities in the South China Sea, Lanba said despite earlier promises not to militarise reclaimed islands, the Chinese have established a significant military presence there.
Significance of Af-Pak region
A session on “The Shifting Geo-Strategic Significance of the Af-Pak Region” featured RK Kaushik, former IAS officer, Lt Gen Kamal Davar (retd), former head of the Defence Intelligence Agency and Sumeer Bhasin. The panel explored the historical dynamics that have shaped the region’s current situation and examined the roles of various stakeholders in its evolving geopolitical landscape.
The festival also paid tribute to the legacy of late Surjit Pattar, a celebrated Punjabi poet. Academicians highlighted how his poetry resonates with the public while earning critical acclaim. Additionally, discussions were held on several books addressing military topics, further enriching the event’s intellectual discourse.
