Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday underscored the need to channelise unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction to contribute in the socio-economic progress of the country and the state.
Addressing participants at the Regional Youth Festival held at SD College, Barnala, the Chief Minister exhorted youngsters to draw inspiration from revolutionary icons like Shaheed Bhagat Singh and other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.
He said that the ideals and sacrifices of these youth icons serve as guiding principles for the youth to render selfless service to the nation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for the well being of the youth.
The Chief Minister said that on one hand unprecedented steps have been taken to provide jobs to the youth and on the other several endeavours have been made to channelise their unbounded energy in the state.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as runways at the airports facilitate an airplane for its smooth take off in the same manner the state government is helping the youth to realize their dreams. The Chief Minister asserted that every effort is being made to give wings to the ideas of youth and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause.
Bhagwant Singh Mann made a fervent appeal to youth to make all out efforts for carving an identity of their own to make a place in society adding that sky's the limit for them. He urged the youth not to feel proud of their victory but to stay humble and work hard for more success adding that confidence and a positive approach should be basic traits of everyone’s personality but there should be no pride in it.
The Chief Minister, while recalling his college days, said that the youth festivals act as a platform for grooming the overall personality of the youth. He said that these youth festivals have helped him to excel in life as an artist and now as a politician.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the youth must use these platforms for their comprehensive growth and development. Reminscing his college days, the Chief Minister said that he had performed in various youth fest and won trophies for college.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that winning was his only passion and he always had a positive mindset of winning. He exhorted the youth to stay grounded and believe in hard work as it is the sole key to success. Highlighting the rich literary and cultural heritage of Barnala, the Chief Minister said that the district may be geographically small but has earned immense fame.
He said that eminent literary personalities such as Sant Ram Udasi, Ram Sarup Ankhi, Om Parkash Gasso and Balwant Gargi, founder of the Praja Mandal Movement Sewa Singh Thikriwala, Megh Raj Mittar and others hailed from this district only.
Bhagwant Singh Mann added that it is because of these luminaries that Barnala has long been known as the “Literature Capital of Punjab’.On this occasion, the Chief Minister also lauded the contribution of SD College in nurturing countless students who have made their mark across various fields globally.
He acknowledged the institution’s vital role in shaping the lives and futures of young Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the college will continue to serve the society by imparting quality education to the youth.