Sanawar Lit Fest inspires students with stories of vision, patriotism

Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa, Sena Medal awardee and Chief of Staff, HQ Western Command, urged students to embrace discipline, courage and a sense of purpose in life while addressing the concluding ceremony of the two-day Sanawar Military Literature Festival at The Lawrence School, Sanawar.

Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Wadhwa said literature festivals go beyond storytelling. “They reflect the soul of the nation and the indomitable courage of our soldiers,” he said. He praised Sanawar’s legacy of producing patriots and leaders, and called upon young minds to rise above challenges and contribute to building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Drawing parallels between student life and military life, he highlighted the shared importance of resilience, leadership, and perseverance.

Adding a gripping historical dimension to the event, war veteran Col Bobby Grewal delivered an impactful talk on the Battle of Basantar, one of the biggest tank confrontations of the 1971 Indo-Pak war. His vivid retelling of strategy, sacrifice, and bravery—especially of Sanawar alumni—deeply moved the audience.

Earlier in the day, Lt Gen Wadhwa paid homage to fallen heroes during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony marked by the bugle’s Last Post. He also reviewed The Lawrence School, Sanawar – Military Heritage 1847–2024, a coffee table book compiled by Gen Abdo Sandhu, celebrating the school’s rich martial tradition.

Himachal Tribune