Punjab has always been a repository of art, culture and literature, chief minister Bhagwant Mann said here on Sunday.
Releasing a 1,980-page book ‘Punjab Da Itihaas’ at Punjab Kala Bhawan here, Mann said since time immemorial, the land of Punjab has been the cradle of civilisation and culture. Mann highlighted Punjab’s extraordinary role in the freedom struggle and its continuing contribution to India’s food security, pointing out that despite rice not being the staple food of Punjabis, the state is once again set to contribute a record 180 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to the national food pool this year.
He said documenting a land that has witnessed centuries of triumphs, upheavals and transformation was a major responsibility. Punjab’s story has always been one of resilience, sacrifice and contribution, he said. He said that the hardworking and resilient farmers of Punjab had played a crucial role in making the country self-reliant in food production.
“Only those nations survive which preserve their culture, while those that ignore their glorious past gradually lose their identity. “After Independence too, Punjabis have remained at the centre stage of the country’s progress. “More than 80% of the sacrifices in India’s freedom struggle were made by Punjabis, despite the fact that they constituted merely around 2% of the country’s population.
This is why the state government is making concerted efforts to preserve Punjab’s rich cultural legacy and ensure that the younger generations remain connected with their roots,” he said. The major movements associated with the freedom struggle were spearheaded by brave Punjabis,” he said. From safeguarding the nation’s borders to contributing to its economic development, Punjabis have always played their part with dedication and courage,” he said.
The CM on Sunday congratulated MLA Pargat Singh on being appointed as Punjab Congress president, saying he is a hockey fan and called him ‘Kaptaan Saab’ in the Vidhan Sabha. After his appointment as Punjab Congress president, Singh on Saturday had said that as a former hockey player, he would take everyone along.
