BHAGWANT MANN GUARANTEES TO MAKE PUNJABI UNIVERSITY DEBT FREE

Patiala, March 29: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced a guarantee to make Punjabi University free from whopping debt so as to regain its pristine glory as a seat of higher learning in the northern India.

While presiding over the valedictory function of three-day Punjabi cinema, television and theatre mega show jointly organized by the Punjabi Film & TV Actors’ Association and Punjabi University here at Guru Tegh Bahadur Hall, the Chief Minister reiterated his government’s firm commitment that none of any student would bereft of higher education due to paucity of funds. He said that to impart the world class education to our students is the top priority of the state government.

Soliciting wholehearted support and cooperation from youth to make Punjab a vibrant state (rangla Punjab), Bhagwant Mann said that our youngsters would ever derive inspiration from the great gurus, seers and prophets besides valiant heroes like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. He said vendetta has no place in our government and nobody would be subjected to harassment on this count.

Pointing out further, Bhagwant Mann said that all the pending issues of teachers would be resolved to their satisfaction soon and none would be forced to resort pressure tactics like protesting against government atop water tanks. He said school and college teachers would now onwards exclusively concentrate on teaching work as their primary duty on Delhi pattern and they would not be assigned any other task except teaching.

Showing concern over youth’s exodus abroad, the Chief Minister said our youth would be given enormous opportunities to exhibit their unbounded capacities and capabilities in the state. The unfathomed energy and talent of our youth would be optimally tapped so that they could become ideal citizens of the society.

Bhagwant Mann, however, said that our youth would be imparted the best and quality education as per global standards to make them gainfully employed across the state so as to prevent them from going off shores in search of green pastures.

Reminiscing his youthful days, Bhagwant Mann said that he has seen several ebbs and tides while participating in the youth festivals of Punjabi University as a college student. Mann urged the parents not to thrust their aspirations upon their wards rather they should identify their aptitude and potential so as to encourage them to excel in their life.

Speaking on the occasion, the Education Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer assured the University authorities that Punjab government would provide 100% assistance for the promotion of education and sports. He emphasized the need on empowerment of youth in a positive way so as to elicit their unbounded support by aptly channelizing their energy to make Punjab as a front runner state. He said Punjabi University belongs to all Punjabis settled across the globe and it would exist for the times to come.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured the noted film director Manmohan Singh, renowned Punjabi Actors Yograj Singh, Guggu Gill and Vijay Tandon besides singers Mohd. Sadiq & Surinder Chinda and film producer-cum-director Sumit Kang. Meanwhile, President of Punjabi Film & TV Actors’ Association Gurpreet Ghuggi, Secretary Malkit Rauni besides Binu Dhillon and several other eminent personalities from Punjabi film industry and TV artistes also attended the function.

Earlier welcoming the Chief Minister, Vice Chancellor Prof. Arvind presented a detailed varsity report about the academics, sports and extracurricular activities.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included MLAs Gurlal Ghanour, Ajitpal Singh Kohli, Dr. Balbir Singh, Neena Mittal, Chetan Singh Jauremajra, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Kulwant Singh Bazigar.