Ludhiana: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called upon people to join hands and wage a war against social maladies like unemployment, corruption, communalism and social discrimination to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and make a 'Rangla Punjab'.
Addressing a gathering to mark Independence Day at Guru Nanak Stadium, the Chief Minister said these maladies are hampering the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. Unfurling the Tricolour on the occasion, he said the time has come to weed out these maladies, adding that this mission cannot be accomplished without the active support of the people.
The Chief Minister said it is a matter of great pride and honour for every Indian that our country has completed 75 years as an independent and democratic republic on Monday. Congratulating all the countrymen, especially Punjabis in India and across the world on this historic occasion, Mann said India’s road to independence was long and hard, but equally difficult is the path to maintain this freedom.
The Chief Minister said it is unfortunate that some people are posing questions over the contribution of great martyrs. He reminded the people that these great national heroes and martyrs relentlessly fought to free the country from the shackles of the British regime. He said questioning the credentials of martyrs is an unpardonable crime.
The Chief Minister asked the people to remain vigilant of the nefarious designs of some fissiparous forces to destabilise the state. He said that these forces want to derail the peace and progress of state. Mann said that though the land of Punjab is very fertile and anything can be grown on it but seeds of hatred and communalism can never germinate here.
The Chief Minister added that great Gurus have shown the way to Punjabis to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. He said that life of great Guru sahibans have ever inspired the Punjabis to make supreme sacrifices at the altar of motherland. The Chief Minister also felicitated freedom fighters and their kin in recognition of their valuable contribution in the freedom struggle of the country.
