Khatkar Kalan (SBS Nagar), March 24
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said that the state government is making strenuous efforts for fulfilling the dreams of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.
Addressing the gathering during a state level function to mark martyrdom of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev here today, the Chief Minister said that this is not a political function but this is a solemn occasion to pay tributes to the great martyrs, who had sacrificed their lives for sake of motherland. He said that the state government is making concerted efforts to perpetuate the legacy of these legendary martyrs for our coming generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has decided to construct Shaheed Bhagat Singh Medical College at a cost of Rs 300 crore as a tribute to these martyrs.
The Chief Minister reminded that due to strenuous efforts of the state government, the Mohali airport has been named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh. He said that none of the previous government had bothered about naming this airport after the great martyr but after assuming the charge of office his government accorded top priority to it. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that naming the airports, universities and other institutions in the name of these iconic martyrs is important to perpetuate their glorious legacy.
The Chief Minister also said that his government has dedicated the Nishan-e-Inquilaab plaza to people which houses 30 feet high bronze statue of iconic martyr on Airport road, Mohali. He said that the statue has been installed so that the iconic martyr is remembered every moment anyone travels on that road. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that such efforts will act as a lighthouse for the visitors coming from within the country and abroad by apprising them about the role of this legendary martyr.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for cherishing the aspirations of the great martyrs. He said that whenever any dignitary from within the country or abroad visits the state, he makes it a point to remind them to pay homage at this sacred land. Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that the dreams of Shaheed-e-Azam still remain unfulfilled as corruption, nepotism and poverty still rule the roost.
The Chief Minister said that unfortunately those who came into power after Britishers plundered the country more mercilessly than the foreigners. Citing an example, he said that the souls of these martyrs must have been shocked when they see huge loads of cash being recovered from houses of the high officers and judges. Bhagwant Singh Mann said how justice can be expected from such tainted people who had amassed huge wealth through unfair means.
The Chief Minister said that these martyrs had not laid their lives so that such rampant corruption was prevalent in the country. He said that the state government is making strenuous efforts for realizing dreams of the martyrs adding that since assuming charge of office after taking oath from here in March 2022 his government provided free power to households from the month of July after which 90% of them are getting free power. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time the state government has purchased a power plant from a private firm to make the state surplus in power production.
The Chief Minister said that 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened across the state where more than three crore patients have got free treatment. Likewise, he said that the state government has given government jobs to more than 52,000 youth completely on the basis of merit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that till now 18 Toll plazas have been closed in the state adding that with the closing of these toll plazas Rs 63 lakh is being saved from the pocket of the common man in Punjab daily.
Paying respects to the Chief Architect of Indian constitution Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar, the Chief Minister that as per the ideology of Baba Sahib, the state government is empowering the weaker sections of society by imparting quality education to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though Baba Sahib hailed from a humble family he went to join the league of top global leaders by acquiring education. He said that ‘Schools of Eminence’ will realize the dreams of Baba Sahib by grooming the poor but bright students for a prosperous future.
The Chief Minister said that as per the aspirations of great nationalists, the state government is duty bound to ensure the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far away when due to concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab will soon emerge as a front runner state across the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state government is committed to fulfill every dream of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and carve out a harmonious and egalitarian society.
The Chief Minister said that the young hero of the freedom struggle had sacrificed his life at a young age for emancipating the country from clutches of foreign imperialism. Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that the previous regimes during the past 70 years blatantly ignored the vision and dreams of our great martyrs like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that martyrdom of Shaheed Bhagat Singh at a young age had motivated the youth to join the national freedom struggle thereby leading to independence of the country.
The Chief Minister said that Shaheed-e-Aazam will remain a source of inspiration for the millions of youth to render selfless service to the nation. He also called upon the youth to follow the footsteps of Shaheed Bhagat Singh to make India a progressive and prosperous country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is blessed to have visited this sacred land for paying tributes to the iconic martyr who laid down his life at the altar of the national freedom struggle.
The Chief Minister said that the nation will always be indebted to this martyr who sacrificed his life at a young age of 23 years for emancipating the country from the clutches of British imperialism. He said that the legendary martyr was not only an individual but an institution adding that we must follow his footsteps for the progress of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every endeavor of the state government is aimed at carving a progressive and prosperous Punjab as dreamt by Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister felicitated the family members of the great martyr. Earlier, Bhagwant Singh Mann also paid tribute at Samadhi of late S Kishan Singh the father of martyr. He also paid floral tributes to Shaheed Bhagat Singh at his statue.