Describing the hosting of G-20 sessions as a golden opportunity for Punjab to showcase its rich culture and heritage before the world, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that it was a matter of great honour for Punjabis as the event will put the state on the world map.
Addressing the gathering after unfurling the Tricolour here at local Guru Nanak Stadium, the Speaker said that two sessions of G-20 summit on the subject of Education and Labour would be held in Punjab in February and June this year. He said that the AAP government would make every effort to make both events a huge success in which the leaders from 46 nations will attend the sessions as Punjabis are renowned for their warmth and hospitality.
He said that the successful holding will give an impetus to Punjab's rich culture and heritage.Recalling the sacrifices made by Punjabis in the freedom struggle, the Speaker mentioned that 80 per cent sacrifices had been made by the Punjabis alone in the national freedom movement.
Sandhwan said that Punjab government was committed to turn the state that our martyrs had dreamt of and was working tirelessly to make it Rangla Punjab. Further, the government has been giving topmost priority to health, education, employment, environment, industrial and other key areas to make a frontrunner state in the country.
The Speaker said that Punjab government had been emphasising on promoting Punjab a best place for the investment and leading business tycons Tata steels and others have already started construction of their plants in the Ludhiana and other parts of state.
He also spoke about government's important achievements and historic decisions including naming of Chandigarh airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh, ex-gratia for martyrs to Rs 1 crore, 600 free power units, 500 Aam Aadmi Clinics, schools of eminence, around 9000 acres land freed from encroachments, 30-percent decrease in stubble burning cases and many more and added now the every Punjabi has been feeling themselves a part of government.
The Speaker also paid glorious tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution for giving an extensive and best constitution due to which the country is being called mother of democracy.Giving a clarion call to the people, the Speaker asked them to work zealously for restoring the pristine glory of the state by following footsteps of martyrs, freedom fighters who laid their loves for the country.
He said it was high time that the people must focus on duties towards the state and nation.Earlier, the Chief guest took a salute during an impressive march past, contingents of Punjab Police, Home Guards, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides led by the parade Commander IPS Jasroop Kaur Bathh.
Likewise, a colorful variety program comprising a mass PT show, Giddha, Bhangra and other traditional folk dances enthralled the audience with their scintillating performance.Later on the Minister also felicitated eminent freedom fighters. He also honored prominent officers/employees and persons from various walks of life for their remarkable contribution towards society.
Prominent amongst the present on the occasion included MLAs Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina, Daljit Singh Grewal, Madan Lal Bagga, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Jiwan Singh Sangowal, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Manwinder Singh Giaspura, Hakam Singh Thekedaar, Hardeep Singh Mundian, District Planning Board chairman Sharanpal Singh Makkar, AAP District President Harbhupinder Singh Dharaur, Senior AAP leader Dr KNS Kang, ADGP Sudhanshu S Srivastava, District and Sessions Judge Munish Singal, Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik, Commissioner of Police Mandeep Singh Sidhu and others.