Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to preserve the historical, cultural and religious legacy of the state by erecting suitable memorials for the future generations besides promoting the Punjabi performing arts and culture. Addressing the gathering during the function to mark the 10th death anniversary of legendary theater artiste Harpal Tiwana here today at Harpal Tiwana Centre for Performing Arts (HTCPA), the Chief Minister said that it was obligatory on the part of the state government to erect such memorials dedicated to the eminent personalities who played significant role in their respective fields. Badal said that it was a maiden endeavor by the SAD-BJP government during its previous regime to erect state-of-the-art memorials viz. Virasat-e-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib, War Memorials of Chota Ghallughara at Kahnuwan and Wadda Ghallughara at Kup Rohira along with at Fateh Burj at village Chapar Chiri in the memory of legendary warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, for perpetuating the rich cultural heritage for the coming generations. In furtherance of its mission to apprise the future youth about our rich cultural and historical legacy, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab government would soon construct the prestigious memorial for depicting the role played by Punjabis in the national freedom struggle at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district of Doaba region. He said that the sole motive of erecting this memorial to be spread over an area of 20 acres was to remind the people about the rich legacy of the sacrifices made by the Punjabis to free our motherland from yoke of British imperialism. Badal said that in recognition to the outstanding services rendered by prominent personalities in different walks of life, the state government had made all out efforts to highlight their contributions by erecting such memorials or constructing institutes of par excellence in order to pay befitting tributes to them. A historic Ishmeet Singh Music Institute at Ludhiana over an area of 2.15 acre of land was a step in this direction. He hoped both HTCPA and Ishmeet Singh Music Institute would go a long way in inculcating the finer sense of music and art amongst the budding artistes by providing them these platforms to exhibit their hidden talent. Lauding the superb contribution of Harpal Tiwana, the Chief Minister said he played a pivotal role for the promotion of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat, which would be ever remembered by one and all for the times to come. He said that the setting up of this ultra modern auditorium has not only cherished the aspirations of the foundation but would also be instrumental in giving much needed impetus to the Punjabi theatre movement in every nook and corner of the country and abroad also. On the occasion Badal was deeply moved by the scintillating performance by the artistes of the stage play ‘Main Tera Banda’ on the life and philosophy of legendary warrior Banda Bahadur presented by HTCPA and he remained there for nearly one-and –a-half hour till end. Meanwhile the HTCPA foundation honored the Chief Minister with a momento.Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Surjeet Singh Rakhra, NRI Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, Former Chairman Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board Tajinder Pal Singh Sandhu, Mayor Ajit Pal Kohli, Chairman Improvement Trust Patiala Indermohan Singh Bajaj, Deputy Commissioner GK Singh, Resident Director of HTCPA s Neena Tiwana and Renowned Punjabi Writer s Dalip Kaur Tiwana.