The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that the SAD-BJP alliance government in state was following the footsteps of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to ensure the wellbeing of every strata of society. Addressing a selective gathering during a simple but impressive ceremony to gift the bust of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, to be installed at French city of Saint Tropez, to Deputy Mayor of Saint Tropez Mr. Henri Allard here at Punjab Bhawan this morning, the Chief Minister said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great emperor who practiced the ethos of secularism and socialism in right earnest as propagated by our great Sikh gurus. He said that as an ardent Sikh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh ensured the welfare of all his subjects and even toured the state in disguise during night to feel the pulse of his subjects. Mr. Badal said that due to his love and affection towards people Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a true monarch of masses.
Thanking the France government and authorities of French tourist city Saint Tropez for their decision to install bust of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Chief Minister said that it would further strengthen the ties between India and France. Recalling the historic bond between both the countries especially between Punjab and France, he said that great Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh had chosen French warrior General Jean Franquis Allard to modernize his army to check the expansion of British Raj. Mr. Badal said that General Allard proved to be top general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in due course of history and the Britishers were not able to annex Punjab till both of them were alive.The Chief Minister said that following his footsteps the state government has initiated a number of pro people schemes for welfare of every strata of society. Likewise, he said for the first time massive steps have been taken by state government to preserve rich cultural heritage of Punjab by construction of state of the art memorials like Virasat e Khalsa, Chappar Chiri War memorial and others adding that a number of other memorials like Jang e Azaadi, War Heroes Memorial, Sri Ram Tirath Temple, Sri Guru Ravidass memorial and others were under various phases of construction. “Punjabis have penchant of creating history but for the first time efforts have been taken to preserve it for our younger generations”, added Mr Badal.
The Chief Minister further said that as a humble tribute to Maharaja Ranjit Singh the state government has constructed a Technical University in his name at Bathinda. Likewise, he said Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Academy has been established at SAS Nagar to enable the youth to get recruitment in Armed forces. Mr. Badal said that as a matter of great pride and satisfaction more than, 50 candidates have been selected for Defence forces.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Henri Allard, the great grandson of General Allard, and Deputy Mayor of Saint Tropez said that this bust gifted by Punjab government would further cement the bond between both the countries. On the occasion Ambassador of France to India, Mr Alexander Ziegler said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh and General Allard were a classic example of strategic military tie up between both the countries. He said that it was a historical example of a bonding of solidarity and trust besides everlasting friendship and cooperation.It may be recalled that this esthetically crafted 2 feet 8.68 inches tall and 110 kg bronze bust of Maharaja Ranjit Singh gifted by Punjab government has been sculpted by Prabhat Murti Kala Kendra in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Director Tourism Mr. NPS Randhawa and Mr. JS Cheema.