The committee formed to chalk out a roadmap of programmes for 50th anniversary celebrations of the Punjabi Suba today met here at Punjab Bhawan under the Chairmanship of Education Minister, Punjab, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema. The committee has been constituted on the personal initiative of Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal.In a statement after the meeting, Dr. Cheema said that this is an occasion which warrants making the whole world aware about the glorious culture and traditions of valour, sacrifice and hospitality of the punjabis besides their role in the freedom movement of the country, their yeoman’s contribution in various fields like sports and making the maximum contribution to country’s food kitty. So, it was decided that month functions would be conducted by ministries of Education, Higher Education & Languages, Cultural Affairs and Sports.
Terming the present year as historical one for the Punjabi people, Dr. Cheema said that the main motive behind conducting these functions is to make the younger generation aware regarding the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the state and making them feel connected with its literature, traditional sports, fairs and festivals symbolizing the rich and vibrant culture of the state. He also said that the Punjabi people have made numerous sacrifices for attaining the Punjabi suba.Dr. Cheema further said that all the departments would present their programme in the next meeting after which the calendar detailing functions of Punjabi Suba would be released mentioning roadmap, venue, date and name of the concerned department.Among those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Punjab, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Ms. Anjali Bhawra, Secretary Information and Public Relations Department Mr. Rahul Tewari, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs Mr. V.P. Singh, Additional Secretary Grievances Redressal Ms. Rupanjali Karthik, DPI (Secondary Education) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol, Joint Director DPI (Colleges) Ms. Sadhna Sangar, FCS Tourism & Cultural Affairs Mr. K.L. Malhotra, Deputy Director (Physical Education) Mr. Mewa Singh Sidhu and Deputy Director SCERT Dr. Ginni Duggal.