Punjab is being developed into a leading education destination, with ample funding for upgrading government schools and creating new career pathways for the youth, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Sunday.
Addressing youngsters at a regional youth festival at Desh Bhagat College in Bararwal village of Sangrur district, Mann highlighted that his government had provided over 70,000 government jobs solely on merit. He urged students to focus on education and hard work, while stressing that Punjab needed elected representatives who understood people's pain and problems.
"The energy, talent and creativity of young people were among Punjab's greatest assets, and the state's future depended on nurturing these qualities and providing youth with meaningful opportunities to excel in every sphere of life," he said.
๐๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐ผ๐บ๐
The chief minister said education must go beyond classrooms, textbooks and examination results, adding that its true purpose was to develop confident individuals with independent thinking, a strong sense of responsibility, respect for cultural roots and the courage to pursue their dreams.
Highlighting the importance of youth festivals, Mann said such events enabled students to discover their hidden talents, overcome hesitation, develop self-confidence and learn valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork and healthy competition.
"These platforms also allowed students to learn from one another, broaden their horizons and prepare themselves to meet the challenges of the future," he added.
Emphasising the importance of cultural activities in shaping well-rounded personalities, Mann said every student possessed unique abilities and potential. Although circumstances and opportunities might vary, determination, dedication and hard work could help young individuals overcome obstacles and achieve success.
"Educational institutions have a responsibility to identify this potential, provide the right environment and ensure that no talent remains undiscovered for want of encouragement," he said.
๐๐๐น๐๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐๐ต
Mann said activities such as music, dance, theatre, literature and folk arts played an important role in developing emotional intelligence, creative thinking, mutual respect and cooperation, qualities essential for building a progressive society.
"Punjab's cultural heritage is a source of pride and identity for our people. Youth festivals and folk festivals serve as vital links between generations, ensuring that the state's traditional art forms, folk music, dances and indigenous games continue to flourish," he added.
The chief minister said that 'Rangla Punjab' could be built only when its youth were empowered with knowledge, confidence, creativity and a strong sense of purpose.
He stressed that educational institutions must provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop skills beyond academic learning.
๐ง๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฏ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ต๐ถ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐น๐บ๐ถ๐ธ๐ถ
Later, Mann flagged off a 'Shobha Yatra' to mark the 'Parkash Purab' of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki and reaffirmed his government's commitment to the values of truth, righteousness, equality and justice.
Invoking the teachings of Maharishi Valmiki, the chief minister said Punjab, the sacred land of Guru Sahiban, saints and peers, would continue to uphold humanity, dignity and brotherhood, where hatred would find no place.
Paying tributes to Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki, Mann said, "In today's materialistic world, we need to strengthen the values of truth, humanity and social responsibility. The teachings of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji remind us that righteousness, equality and respect for every human being must remain the foundation of society."
He said the teachings remained relevant in contemporary society and should inspire people, particularly the younger generation, to uphold equality, compassion and social responsibility.