The Ferozpur Military and Literary Festival 2026 took place in the historic Punjab town of Firozpur, which is also known as the “City of Martyrs”. Situated at the banks of the Sutlej, it is located just 8 kilometres from the Pakistan border and holds deep significance for India’s freedom movement and is home to the Hussainiwala National Martyrs Memorial.
In it in this setup that the festival took place, where Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee, VSM, (Retd) was an esteemed guest. The festival took place over two days – March 28 and March 29.
The two-day programme was structured around military history, strategic affairs, veterans’ experiences, heritage, and public engagement.
Day 1: March 28
- 9am–9.30am: Wreath-laying at Barki War Memorial
- 11.15am–12.30pm: Panel — “The Ferozepur Gazetteer: Echoes of Yesterday, Pathways of Tomorrow,” with Ms Swati Rai (moderator), Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, Brig JS Arora, Dr Anirudh Gupta and Mr Rupinder Singh
- 12pm–1.30pm (special session, SBS Technical University): “West Asia in Turmoil and Stakes for India,” with Amb Navdeep Suri, Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee and Maj Gen Harvijay Singh
- 12.40pm–1.40pm: Panel — “Employment Opportunities and Women Empowerment in the Indian Armed Forces,” with a speaker from the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, Col Sharmila (CO, DOU), Lt Col Himanshi and Mrs Geetanjali Manral (chairperson, GAFWO)
- 4pm–5pm: Martial arts display at Sunder Singh Stadium
- 5pm: Optional departure for the joint check post
Day 2: March 29
- 9.30am–11am: Panel — “West Asia in Turmoil and Stakes for India,” with Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee and Maj Gen Harvijay Singh
- 11.30am–12.50pm: Panel — “The Invincible Ferozepur: Anglo-Sikh Wars, Post-Independence Wars and Operation Sindoor,” with Ms Archna Tyagi (moderator), Prof (Dr) Jasbir Singh, Dr Baljit Singh Virk and Lt Gen JS Cheema
- 1pm–1.40pm: “Ferozepur: Preserving the Military Legacy,” with Maj Gen Balwinder Singh
- 3pm–4.10pm: Closing ceremony at VB Hall
Running across both days
- Clarion Call – Josh, Jazba, Junoon: a showcase of soldiers’ valour and sacrifices at Galaxy, DBS, directed by Col Avnish Sharma
- Samvaad: interaction with gallantry award winners at Panorama
- Exhibitions: paintings, books, flower arrangement and Awwa, at DBS School
- Army weapons display: at Sunder Singh Stadium
Here are some photos from the two-day event:
