WE’RE FOLLOWING MAHARISHI BHAGWAN VALMIKI JI’S PATH TO BUILD PUNJAB ROOTED IN EQUALITY, DIGNITY & JUSTICE: CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN*

Face2News / Dhuri (Sangrur)

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday paid obeisance to Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and flagged off a grand Shobha Yatra at Gandhi Basti in Dhuri to mark his sacred Parkash Purab, reaffirming his government’s commitment to the path of truth, righteousness, equality and justice shown by the revered saint. Invoking the timeless teachings of the Ramayana, he said Punjab, the sacred land of Guru Sahiban, saints and peers, would continue to uphold the values of humanity, dignity and brotherhood, where the seeds of hatred could never flourish.

Highlighting education as the most powerful means of transforming lives, the Chief Minister said that 882 students from Punjab government schools had cleared NEET this year, compared with just 80 in 2021, demonstrating how quality education is opening doors to a brighter future for children from humble backgrounds.

Sharing a few snippets from this auspicious occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Participated in the grand Shobha Yatra organised at Gandhi Basti in Dhuri constituency, Sangrur, today to mark the Parkash Purab of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and performed the ceremonial flag-off. The sacred Ramayana, composed by Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, conveys the timeless message of goodness, truth and equality. His profound teachings continue to serve as a guiding light for our society even today.”

“Heartfelt greetings to all devotees in Punjab and across the country and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Jayanti, being celebrated tomorrow. Let us all resolve to follow the path shown by Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and uphold his noble teachings in our lives,” he added

Paying tributes to Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, the Pitaamah of Sanskrit literature and the Adi Kavi, or first poet, gave the world the timeless epic Ramayana, which conveys the eternal message of the triumph of good over evil. Its teachings on morality, duty, compassion, ideal leadership and righteous conduct have guided generations and remain equally relevant today.”

The Chief Minister said, “In today’s materialistic world, we need to strengthen the values of truth, humanity and social responsibility. The teachings of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji remind us that righteousness, equality and respect for every human being must remain the foundation of society.”

He said that Punjab is fortunate to be associated with the sacred legacy of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, who imparted knowledge and training to Luv and Kush, the sons of Lord Ram, on this pious land. He said the great saints, Gurus, seers and martyrs had consistently inspired people to rise above divisions and work towards a society founded on unity, brotherhood and equality.

Emphasising the transformative power of education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Education is the most effective instrument of social transformation. Children from economically disadvantaged families are now clearing some of the country’s most prestigious competitive examinations, proving that talent is not restricted by financial circumstances.”

He said, “More than 30 lakh students appear for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) every year, and it is a matter of immense pride that 882 students from Punjab’s government schools have cleared the examination in the recently announced results.”

Highlighting the improvement in government school education, the Chief Minister said, “In 2021, only 80 students from government schools had cleared NEET. Today, the number has risen to 882, an increase of nearly 11 times in just four years. This achievement reflects the remarkable progress being made in improving the quality of education in our government schools.”

He said that the achievement was even more significant because many of these students came from humble economic backgrounds. “Their parents include rickshaw pullers, small shopkeepers, vegetable vendors and other hardworking people who struggle every day to provide a better future for their children. Some pull rickshaws, some run small shops, while others sell vegetables to earn their livelihood. Yet, their children are now clearing examinations like NEET and moving towards becoming doctors,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is the real power of education and the transformation we want to bring to Punjab. Poverty cannot be eradicated merely through temporary financial assistance or dependence on ration cards and other welfare benefits. Lasting economic empowerment comes from quality education that enables children to build respectable careers and secure a better future for their families.”

He added, “Welfare facilities can provide support, but education gives children the power to change the future of their entire family. Educate your children and help them become officers, doctors and professionals, and they will lift their families out of poverty. When a child from a humble household becomes a doctor, an officer or a successful professional, the achievement transforms not only that child’s life but also the future of the entire family and the generations that follow.”

Welcoming the devotees who had gathered in large numbers for the sacred occasion, the Chief Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to mothers, sisters, elders, youngsters and children for participating in the Shobha Yatra despite their daily responsibilities. He said, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the devotees who have joined us today. The presence of our mothers, sisters, brothers and children makes this sacred occasion even more special.”

He said that the teachings of Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji and other great spiritual figures continued to inspire people to uphold humanity and mutual respect. “The message of the great saints, Gurus and martyrs of Punjab and the country has always been the same: unity, equality, compassion and respect for every human being. Maharishi Bhagwan Valmiki Ji gave the world the message of equality and righteousness, reminding us that humanity is above everything,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Describing Punjab as a land blessed with fertile soil and a rich heritage of communal harmony, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab is a land where you can sow any seed and it will flourish, but the seeds of hatred do not grow here. Our people celebrate festivals together with love, joy and brotherhood. This spirit of unity is our greatest strength, and we must preserve it at all costs.”