The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today set the tone for the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Punjabi Suba on a grand scale by inaugurating the Punjabi Suba Vidyarthi Utsav, a one day cultural extravaganza of the Education Department here at the Guru Nanak Stadium.The Deputy Chief Minister took the round of the stadium in an open jeep along with Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and handed over ceremonial torch to the students. On the occasion, a book titled 'Dhart Punjab' was also released which brilliantly chronicles the cultural, economic and social traditions and environment Punjab. On the momentous occasion, school children brilliantly showcased the history, culture and traditions of Punjab in the form of bhangra, giddha, gatka and traditional games which totally mesmerized the huge audience.Full of praise for the different acts depicted so fantastically by the children, the Deputy Chief Minister described them as the future of the nation which needs to be perfectly groomed and nurtured so as to stand out and make a name for themselves and Punjab. S. Badal also assured that the state government would do everything to help them prepare for a better future.
The Deputy Chief Minister also eulogised the role played by Punjabis in the freedom struggle and said that Punjabi people have made the most sacrifices in the independence movement. He said that Punjabi Suba was formed after enormous struggles and sacrifices but even at that time the state was discriminated against on the issue of Capital city by the then Congress government at the centre. He further said that despite this, Punjab marched ahead on the road to prosperity especially under the SAD-BJP government. The Deputy Chief Minister also detailed that Punjab is top notch state in production of milk,Kinnow, Sewing Machines, Cycles, Machine Tools, Sports Goods and Tractors. He also divulged that Punjab is only power surplus state in the country and also has excellent road infrastructure.Coming to other development centric agendas, S. Badal said that Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS) has come up at Mohali and is imparting world class training to budding players to come up at international level.He also termed prosperous industrial infrastructure, Meritorious schools and construction of memorials as major game changers in carving out a niche for Punjab.
Taking on PPCC President Captain Amarinder Singh , the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Punjab Congress Chief is misleading people by making false promises on waiving of debt. He also said that Captain Amarinder should give an affidavit in the court that he would sell his whole property including palace if he fails to waive off the debt in case he comes to power.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that those defaming Punjab on drugs should know that out of 5 lakh youth tested for dope only a minuscule were found positive.S. Badal also disclosed that a proposal has been sent to the Union Government for okaying the setting up of a Special Task Force for keeping vigil on the borders to stop inflow of the drugs through the Punjab border.On this occasion international Wrestler The Great Khali also made an appearence and exhorted the youth to take part in sports and other social service activities. So as to keep themselves fit and act as responsible members of society.
Thanking the Deputy Chief Minister on the occasion, Punjab Education Minister, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that the game of kabaddi has attained greater heights today the world over due to the painstaking efforts of the the Deputy Chief Minister on whose initiative world kabaddi cup is held every year. He also said that Punjab today occupies no. 1 slot in the country in terms of educational infrastructure. He also divulged that the education department has made 84000 recruitments over the years. He also laid emphasis on guiding the young minds about great historical and cultural roots of Punjab so as to able to help them connect with their roots. The Education Minister also inaugurated a traditional exhibition on the occasion depicting the vibrant colours of Punjab.Among others present on the occasion included Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Irrigation Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, MLAs Darshan Singh Shivalik and Manpreet Singh Ayali, OSD to the Deputy Chief Minister- Parminder Singh Brar, Advisor to the Deputy Chief Minister-Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Mayor Ludhiana Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Ex-Minister Hira Singh Gabria, Special Principal Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister -Rahul Tewari and others.