Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann PAYS TRIBUTE TO BABA SAHIB DURING A STATE LEVEL FUNCTION AT PATIALA
Patiala, April 14: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the state government is working tirelessly. They aim to ameliorate the woes of weaker and underprivileged sections of society. This effort is to realize the dreams of Bharat Ratna Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of Indian Constitution.
The Chief Minister addressed a gathering during a state level function. The event was to mark the birth anniversary of Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar. He described Baba Sahib as a great scholar, jurist, economist, social reformer, and a statesman. He said that Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar was one of the most towering personalities in the entire world history. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though Dr. Ambedkar hailed from a humble family but his outstanding contribution has brought him in the league of global leaders.
The Chief Minister said that the Indian Constitution was the result of Dr. Ambedkar’s hard work, dedication and far sightedness. He further said that Baba Saheb was not only the leader of weaker sections but he was the leader of entire humanity. Exhorting the gathering to follow the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will be the real tribute to this great son of soil adding that all of us should make dedicated efforts for carving out an egalitarian society for securing justice and equality for all the sections of society rising above the petty considerations of caste, colour and creed.
The Chief Minister further said that Dr. Ambedkar had always encouraged the democratic values in every field, be it social, economic and political, he advocated equal status and respect for all. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that it is the moral duty of all of us to strive hard to realize this dream of Dr. Ambedkar. On this occasion, he appealed to the people to follow the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar and shun the parochial considerations of religion, caste, colour and creed to create a harmonious and egalitarian society.
The Chief Minister emphasized that in consonance with the life and philosophy of Baba Sahib, the state government has prioritized education and has taken path breaking initiatives in Education sector to transform the lives of people. He said that no freebee or concession cards can eliminate poverty or other social maladies in the state but education is the key that can pull people out of this vicious circle by raising their standard of living. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to this his government is tirelessly making efforts to improve the standard of education to empower the common man adding that with six SC Ministers in Cabinet, first time ever reservation on AG office and hassle free disbursement of SC scholarship AAP government is realising dreams of Baba Sahib.
The Chief Minister said that to realize the dreams of this great leader, the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He stated that earlier, the common man had no choice but to send his child to a government school; however, with the revamp of the education system, it has now become a matter of personal choice. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the government has established Schools of Eminence across the state to provide quality education to students. He also mentioned that the government is similarly upgrading the public health system.
Training his guns against the fissiparous forces trying to destabilize peace, progress and prosperity of the state, the Chief Minister said that such forces are now trying to vandalize the statues of Dr BR Ambedkar in Punjab. “He declared that authorities will not tolerate this and will take strict action against anyone who indulges in this heinous crime. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that they will ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of this barbaric act.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister exhorted the girls to come forward. He encouraged them to use their education to bring the necessary change in society. This change is much needed. He said that these days, girls have outnumbered boys in every field. This includes fields that were once considered the fiefdom of men. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that women’s empowerment is essential. It is crucial to carve out an egalitarian society. This is important for the larger interest of both society and state.
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride. He is satisfied that girls are excelling in all the fields today. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the girls will continue to carve a niche for themselves by acquiring more education. He said that the girls must actively participate in politics. This is essential to ensure that the country is well governed by people of high integrity. It also requires commitment to public service.
The Chief Minister said that youth of the state possess inherent qualities. They can excel in every field. Their capabilities must be utilized properly. He said that the students and youth are like planes. The state government will provide them a launchpad to go ahead in life. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that he won’t rest until the youth of Punjab achieve their desired goals. He is determined to see them excel in every field.
The Chief Minister said that the previous governments never paid heed towards imparting quality education to the students. He said that the sons and daughters of big leaders used to study in convent schools in the hills. Therefore, government schools were never the focus of the leaders. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that government schools did not focus on imparting education. They acted mainly as mid day meal centres during the previous regimes.
On the other hand, the Chief Minister said that now the state government is constructing Schools of Eminence across Punjab. It is also sending the teachers abroad. They are even being sent to prestigious national institutes to upscale their teaching skills. He said that the well trained staff has played a crucial role. This has helped enhance the rate of admissions in the government schools of the state. He added that Punjab is now witnessing an education revolution. This is because the state government has laid major thrust on it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the teachers and Principals are focusing only on education. For all the remaining tasks, the required staff has been recruited by the state government.
The Chief Minister said that it is a moment of immense pride. More than 54000 jobs have been provided to the youth of the state. He said that all the jobs have been given completely on the basis of merit, sans any corruption or nepotism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is making the youth an active partner in socio economic development of Punjab.
The Chief Minister bemoaned that the drug mafia was patronized by the earlier governments. However, his government has launched a crusade against drugs.Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have meticulously planned to wipe out the menace of drugs from the state, and we have now launched a full-fledged war against it. We have not only snapped the supply lines of drugs, but we have also put the big fishes involved in this crime behind bars. We are now seizing and destroying the property of drug peddlers.” He added that the government cannot accomplish this noble cause without active public support.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has issued a Whatsapp helpline number. This number is 9779100200. It is for seeking the support of the people in this war. He asked the people to share any information pertaining to the drug smugglers operative in their area or city on this Whatsapp number. “Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that the authorities will keep the caller’s identity secret and will not disclose it to anyone.”
The Chief Minister also announced that the state government will organize a series of events. These events will honor the 350th martyrdom day of ninth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji.They will organize it on a massive level. He said, “We will organize a series of functions across the state. We will ensure comprehensive development for places where Guru Sahib set foot.” Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is planning a detailed program. This program will organize a series of events to commemorate the martyrdom day of the great Sikh Guru.
Striking an emotional chord with the students, the Chief Minister recalled his days as a student of university. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had studied in the university and had performed from the same stage during his academic years. He stated that education from University has ensured his holistic development. He added that the students must utilize this study for scaling new heights in life.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Dr Baljeet Kaur and others also paid tribute to Baba Sahib on the occasion.
