Ferozepur, August 15
After unfurling the national Tricolour at the state-level function marking the 80th Independence Day at Cantt Board Stadium, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the 80th year of Independence will be the year of economic freedom for Punjab’s women, as for the first time, mothers and daughters are gaining the freedom to spend their own money according to their wishes, with more than 65 lakh women already receiving Samman Rashi out of the 74.59 lakh women registered under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that walking in the footsteps of the great national heroes, his government is making tireless efforts to fulfil their aspirations, ensure the welfare of all and build a prosperous and ‘Rangla Punjab’ by fulfilling every promise made to the people.
Mann said that this spirit of empowerment is being extended across Punjab through transformative education and healthcare, employment for the youth, canal water reaching the fields, a decisive fight against drugs and stronger public safety, while preserving the peace, brotherhood and communal harmony that define Punjab.
Sharing a few snippets from this auspicious gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day today, paid tributes to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Ji and other national heroes at Hussainiwala, the sacred land of Ferozepur. We are continuously working to create a ‘Rangla Punjab’ that fulfils the dreams of our martyrs. Employment has been provided to 69,093 youth, 88% of the state’s fields are now receiving canal water, and the Education and Health Revolutions, along with the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), are strengthening Punjab’s development and security. Let us work together to further strengthen Punjab’s peace and communal harmony. Heartiest greetings to everyone on Independence Day. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national Tricolour, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The country is celebrating its 80th Independence Day and on this solemn occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the people of the country, especially the people of Punjab. I pay my respects and homage to Ferozepur, the sacred land of martyrs, whose name is inscribed in golden letters in the history of India’s freedom struggle. I also remember the 21 brave Sikh soldiers of the Battle of Saragarhi, in whose memory the historic Gurdwara Saragarhi Sahib stands here.”
Paying tribute to the bravehearts of Hussainiwala, the Chief Minister noted, “Hussainiwala, on the banks of the Sutlej, is a glorious legacy of our national martyrs and this sacred land reminds us of the extraordinary lives and sacrifices of Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev. The last rites of great revolutionary Batukeshwar Dutt and Mata Vidyavati Ji, the mother of Sardar Bhagat Singh, were also performed here. A Heritage Complex dedicated to the memory of the martyrs is being constructed at Hussainiwala at a cost of ₹25 crore. I salute the brave people of this border district who continue to stand firm against the designs of enemies across the border, natural calamities and other challenges.”
Remembering the contribution of Punjab’s border population, he said, “The services rendered by the people living along the border to the nation and Punjab will always be remembered. Today, when the entire country is celebrating Independence Day, I also remember the immense contribution of patriots and warriors. The country had to wage a long and arduous struggle to attain freedom, and Punjab also paid the heaviest price for the Partition of the country in 1947.”
Recalling the human cost of Partition, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Millions of families were forced to leave their homes and hearths. Even today, every Punjabi prays for open access to visit our sacred Gurdwaras and shrines that were left across the border. Such a massive migration has rarely been witnessed in human history. In words, it may have been the Partition of a country, but in reality, it was the partition of families, relationships and shared emotions. Generations to come will continue to feel the pain of this tragedy, and yet we take immense pride in the fact that the spirit of patriotism runs deep in the hearts of Punjabis.”
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to the freedom struggle, the Chief Minister pointed out, “Punjabis inherited the courage to stand against oppression and tyranny from Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Punjabi warriors have always been at the forefront among those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. From the Kuka Movement, Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement, Ghadar Movement and Babbar Akali Movement to numerous other movements, Punjabis made an unparalleled contribution. The sacrifices of Punjabis during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre united the nation against British rule. In the freedom struggle, thousands of Punjabis, including Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Lala Lajpat Rai, Diwan Singh Kalepani, Baba Ram Singh and Madan Lal Dhingra, made supreme sacrifices.”
On healthcare, he said, “Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, every family is receiving cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh and so far, more than 3 lakh patients have received cashless treatment worth ₹1,100 crore. As many as 1,090 Aam Aadmi Clinics are operational across the state, where around 92,000 people seek treatment every day.”