DW BUREAU / Hoshiarpur

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced to set up Bhagat Kabir Dham for conducting extensive research into the life and philosophy of Sant Kabir, the doyen of the Bhakti movement.

Addressing the gathering during the state level function to mark 626th parkash utsav of Bhagat Kabir ji here today, the Chief Minister said that the 15th-century mystic poet and saint Bhagat Kabir ji had shown way of life to the people adding that this Dham will act as a pivotal for research on their life.

He said that the life and philosophy of the great mystic poet has always inspired the people towards rightful living adding that people should follow the footsteps of Bhagat Kabir ji for carving out a progressive, prosperous and harmonious society. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the need of hour is that unity, communal brotherhood and peace should be maintained by all means by following the ideals of Bhagat Kabir ji.

Exhorting the people to follow teachings of Bhagat Kabir ji in right earnest, the Chief Minister said that it is need of hour to carve out an egalitarian society rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

He said that the life and teachings of Bhagat Kabir Ji preached the eternal message of love, peace, harmony contained in his Bani, which is part of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though Bhagat Kabir ji's early life was spent in a Muslim family he was strongly influenced by the Hindu saint Ramananda, which had a deep impact on his writings during the Bhakti movement.

Urging people to emulate the ideals of the great saint, the Chief Minister said that it can play an important role in building a harmonious and progressive society. He said that the great Sikh Gurus have taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is leaving no stone unturned for restoring the pristine glory of the state.

He said that the state government is making concerted efforts for rejuvenating the health and education system in the state. He said that till now sending his child to government school was the compulsion of the common man but within six months it will be his wish to do so as the education system is being revamped.

He said that Schools of Eminence have been set up across the state to impart quality education to the students adding that in similar manner the government health system is also being upgraded.

The Chief Minister said that the previous regimes had deprived people of quality education and health services just to ensure that they do not progress in society. He said that they just wanted that the child of poor families always remain at their mercy and do not make any progress. Bhagwant Singh Mann on the contrary his focus is to empower the poor students by assuring quality education to the them.

The Chief Minister said that the result is in front of everyone as 158 students from the government schools have for the first time cleared the coveted JEE exams. He said that this is just the beginning as more such results will be visible in the coming days for which his government is making strenuous efforts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has given more than 43000 jobs to the youth completely on the basis of merit.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government is opening eight hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of the state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and serve the country.

Training his guns against the opposition, the Chief Minister said that due to his pro- Punjab and development oriented stance opposition leaders don't miss any chance to target him. He said that this criticism is totally irrational and based on their whims and fancies. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that this won't deter him from performing his duty well.

The Chief Minister said that the state government had scripted a new success story by purchasing Goindwal power plant earlier owned by a private company GVK Power. He said that for the first time a reverse trend was witnessed in the state as the government purchased a private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at 'throw away' prices.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this power plant is the cheapest purchase made by any state/private company and is a historic initiative but the opposition never praise it despite of the fact that 90% power consumers are getting free power.
(editor@dailyworld.in)