Dr B R Ambedkar was a torch bearer for not only one community but for the entire humanity and society and all of us should learn from his life and contribute for taking the society into the right direction. This was said by Mr Chuni Lal Bhagat, cabinet minister, Punjab, while speaking during the state level function organised on the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar at Phagwara, today.On this occasion, Cabinet Ministers Dr Daljit Singh Cheema and Mr Sohan Singh Thandal, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Som Parkash Kainth, Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh and Mr Pawan Kumar Tinu, MLA’s Bibi Jagir Kaur and Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chairman Markfed Mr Jarnail Singh Wahid, Advocate Mr S L Virdi, besides several others were also present.They said that Dr Ambedkar spent his entire life for bringing equality in the society and people from all communities should learn from his teachings.Education Minister Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said that the Punjab government has chalked out year long comprehensive programmes for educating the masses about the teachings of Dr B R Ambedkar. He said that on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary, the Punjab government would award cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh to 125 each merit holders of class tenth and twelfth respectively.
He said that the Punjab government is also setting up a chair in Panjab University, Chandigarh on Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar’s name. He said that for educating the youth about Dr B R Ambedkar, seminars would be organised in universities and colleges of the state. Dr Cheema informed that a special session dedicated to Dr Ambedkar would be held Punjab Vidhan Sabha and his statue would also be installed in the Vidhan Sabha.Cabinet Minister Mr Sohan Singh Thandal said that taking a cue from Dr Ambedkar’s teachings, the Punjab government has started several welfare schemes for weaker sections of the society. He said that for students, a post metric scholarship scheme has also been started and for this purpose, the state government has kept Rs 100 crore separately so that the students don’t face any problem.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Som Parkash Kainth said that Dr B R Ambedkar has always been a torch bearer for the society and that is why his 125th birth anniversary is also being celebrated by the United Nations. He said that Dr Ambedkar did not raise his voice for equality only of Dalit’s, but he fought for the rights of all communities.Prominent among those present on the occasion included Punjab SC Commission chairman Mr Rajesh Bagha, Market Committee Phagwara chairman Mr Sarwan Singh Kular, Phagwara Municipal Corporation Mayor Mr Arun Khosla, Senior Deputy Mayor Mr Surinder Singh Walia, Deputy Mayor Mr Ranjit Singh Khurana, besides several others.