FARIDKOT: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday gave a clarion call to the Punjabis for resolving to restore the pristine glory of the state by making it a frontrunner one in the country thereby carving out a vibrant and prosperous ‘Rangla Punjab’.
Addressing the gathering after unfurling national tri-colour, during the state level function to mark Independence Day here at local Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium here today, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to all countrymen, especially Punjabis. He also paid respects and reverence to the great Sufi saint Baba Farid Ji on the sacred land of Faridkot. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Baba Farid Ji is considered the first great poet of Punjabi literature as he composed his verses in the language of the common people.
The Chief Minister said that unique and unparalleled role of Punjabis in the Indian Independence struggle hardly needs to be over emphasized. He said that it is on record that more than 80% of the great patriots who laid down their lives or were subjected to British tyranny in one form or another were Punjabis. In fact, Bhagwant Singh Mann most of the movements related to the freedom struggle were spearheaded by the valiant Punjabis for bringing centuries-old British imperialism to an end.
The Chief Minister said that great martyrs and sons of the soil Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Diwan Singh Kalepani, Baba Ram Singh, Sohan Singh Bhakna and several other unsung heroes shed every drop of their blood while pursuing the ultimate goal of Independence. He said that supreme sacrifices made by the great warriors in the various movements of the country's freedom struggle viz. Kuka, Ghadar, Babbar Akali, Agrarian, Kama Gata Maru episode, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Liberation of Gurdwaras movement, Jaito morcha and the Parja Mandal movement would ever remain a source of inspiration to inculcate the spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst our younger generations. But, Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that even when the rest of the country was celebrating Independence, Punjab was going through the horrors of a violent partition in which lakhs of Punjabis lost their lives, were rendered homeless, and many more lost their lands and properties.
The Chief Minister said that even after Independence, Punjabis led the nation from the front whenever India faced any challenge from internal or external aggression. He said that it is a known fact that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state have played a crucial role in making the country self reliant in food production. Bhagwant Singh Mann also proudly eulogized the outstanding contribution of Punjabis in zealously safeguarding and preserving India's hard-earned independence and ushering in an era of overall development, peace and prosperity.
Reiterating that Punjab is fighting a full-fledged war against drugs, the Chief Minister profusely thanked all Punjabis for supporting the state government in this noble cause. He said that previous governments patronized drug mafias, causing widespread addiction, adding that his government has launched a crackdown against drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh ‘War Against Drugs’. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the drug supply network has almost been dismantled, drug dealers are being dealt with strictly and bulldozers have razed their properties adding that leaders involved in drug trade have been sent to jail, defense Committees have been formed in towns and villages and youth.
The Chief Minister said that over 55, 000 government jobs have been given to the youth in a completely transparent manner and purely on merit. He said that a new Sports Policy (2023) has been implemented to revive Punjab’s sporting glory adding that 13, 000 modern stadiums will be built out of which 3, 083 are under construction. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that three seasons of “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan” have been already held and youth are being encouraged to scale new heights in field sports thereby channelizing their energy in a positive direction to wean them away from drugs.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab was leading the country in casualties due to road accidents after which Sadak Surakhya Force was formed in the state. He said that the Road Safety Force (SSF) has significantly reduced road accidents by 48% as per study of Government of India adding that they have provided 144 modern vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann to recognize supreme sacrifices by the brave soldiers and cops who sacrificed their lives to protect the unity and integrity of the nation, the state government provides financial assistance of one crore rupees to their families.