CM ANNOUNCES TO SET UP SURJIT PATAR CENTRE FOR ETHICAL AI IN THE GURU NANAK DEV UNIVERSITY

SAYS AN AWARD TO BE INSTITUTIONALISED IN THE MEMORY OF LEGENDARY WRITER

ASSERTS THAT WHAT KEATS WAS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE, DR SURJIT PATAR WAS FOR PUNJABI LANGUAGE

REITERATES COMMITMENT TO FURTHER PROMOTE PUNJABI LANGUAGE IN THE STATE

Amritsar, January 14:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced to set up a state of the art Surjit Patar Centre for ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Guru Nanak Dev University.

Chairing a function to pay homage to the eminent writer here today, the Chief Minister said that this centre will be equipped with the latest ultra modern technology. He assured fulsome support and cooperation to the University for this Noble Cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced to institutionalise an Award in the memory of great writer which will be given to the budding writers to encourage them.

The Chief Minister said that appointments in the universities are being made for the sole purpose of promoting academics in these prestigious institutions. He said that the single point agenda is to ensure that education, and not groupism, gets boost in these premier institutions. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the great Gurus, saints and martyrs have taught us to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice.

Paying floral tributes to Dr Surjit Patar, The Chief Minister said that passing away of this great son of the soil was a huge and irreparable loss for the Punjabi literature. He said that Dr Surjit Patar was one of the greatest writers of Punjabi Literature and he had a strong personal bond with the late writer, who appreciated him a lot. Bhagwant Singh Mann recalled the enormous contribution of Dr Surjit Patar towards the promotion of Punjabi language, literature and culture, which would always be acknowledged by one and all.

The Chief Minister said that Dr Surjit Patar was one of the most celebrated Punjabi writers who had a deep impact on the psyche of every Punjabi adding that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that if English language had legendary writer Keats then Punjabi language has Dr Surjit Patar. He described Dr Surjit Patar as a ‘great writer’ who made an outstanding contribution for cementing the bond of communal harmony and brotherhood in the society through his pen. Recalling the literary services of the departed writer, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he was an imminent Punjabi litterateur who would ever inspire the budding writers through his prolific writings.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for promotion of Punjabi language. He said that the state government has allocated funds worth more than Rs 350 crore to the Punjabi University Patiala to bring it out of financial crunch. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it was imperative to ensure that the teaching staff could focus duly on educating the youth and promotion of Punjabi language.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government is duty bound to promote the mother tongue of every Punjabi and no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the students to speak and write the Punjabi language well so that they remain acquainted with their glorious heritage. He said that it is a matter of great pride for all of us that we are the flag bearers of this marvelous mother tongue, in which countless and rich literature has been penned.

The Chief Minister said that the history of the state is replete with enormous sacrifices made by the great martyrs who have made selfless sacrifices for humanity. He said that the youth must get inspiration from these martyrs and serve their country selflessly and passionately. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is the blessed and sacred land where people from all the religions, languages and sections of society reside peacefully and harmoniously.

The Chief Minister also extended his best wishes to the people on the sacred day of Maghi adding that this solemn occasion is observed every year in memory of the 40 Muktas (liberated ones) who laid down their lives in the battle of Khidrana, now known as Sri Muktsar Sahib. He said that the auspicious occasion of Maghi in Sri Muktsar Sahib was being held since time immemorial as a mark of respect to eulogize the supreme sacrifice of 40 Muktas, who valiantly fought against the Mughals. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on this day lakhs of people pay obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of Gurdwara ‘Sri Tuti-Gandi Sahib’ at Sri Muktsar Sahib.

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CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to Hoist the National Flag at Faridkot on Republic Day

- Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to Hoist the National Flag at Ludhiana During the State-Level Event

Chandigarh, January 14:The state-level Republic Day celebrations for 2025 will be held in Ludhiana, where Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria will hoist the National Flag on January 26. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will preside over the flag-hoisting ceremony at Faridkot.

A government spokesperson provided further details, stating that Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan will hoist the National Flag in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, and Deputy Speaker Jai Kishan Rori will do so in Rupnagar.

Other ministers will participate in Republic Day ceremonies at various locations: Finance, Planning, and Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Sangrur. New and Renewable Energy and Printing & Stationery Minister Aman Arora in Jalandhar. Social Justice, Social Security, Women & Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur in Barnala. NRI Affairs and Administrative Reforms Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal in Gurdaspur. Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education Minister Dr. Balbir Singh in Moga. Revenue, Rehabilitation, Disaster Management, Water Supply & Sanitation, and Housing & Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian in Bathinda. Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Forest Minister Lal Chand in Sri Muktsar Sahib. Transport and Jails Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar in Fazilka.

School Education, Higher Education, and Technical Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains in Hoshiarpur. Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh in Ferozepur. Water Resources, Mines & Geology, Soil & Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal in Patiala. Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Hospitality, Industry & Commerce, and Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond in Amritsar. Local Government and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh in Malerkotla. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian in Tarn Taran. Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, and Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.

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Punjab Cabinet Ministers, Speaker Vidhan Sabha pay obeisance on Mela Maghi

Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahab, January 14:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker accompanied by Cabinet Ministers today paid obeisance at Gurudwara Tutti Gandi Sahib on the occasion of Mela Maghi.

During the Mela a sea of humanity was seen all over the roads leading to the Gurudwara. The ministers who paid obeisance included Speaker Vidhan Sabha S. Kultar Sandhwan, New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Social Security, Woman and Child Development and Social Justice Minister Dr Baljeet Kaur and Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer. They all prayed for the welfare of people at Gurudwara Tutti Gandi Sahib.

Langar is being served 24x7 since yesterday for the devotees at all roads leading to the Gurudwara.

On this special day, Harpal Kaur-mother of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singhann also offered prayers at the Gurudwara.

Adequate security measures were taken by the police for smooth traffic on all the roads as people from all walks of life from far off places coming to pay obeisance. A special horse fair was also organised at Ghora Mandi where horses and different animals, birds and many kinds of dog breed was brought by sellers.

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Tripathi, SSP Tushar Gupta and Chairman of District Planning Board Sukhjinder Singh Kauni were also present on the occasion.

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PUNJAB POLICE ORGANIZES LANGAR TO MARK MAGHI FESTIVAL

— DGP PUNJAB GAURAV YADAV JOINS ARDAS PERFORMED FOR 'SARBAT DA BHALA'

— DGP PUNJAB ENCOURAGES PUNJAB POLICE SEWA COMMITTEE TO CONTINUE ORGANISING SUCH SOCIO-RELIGIOUS INITIATIVES

CHANDIGARH, January 14:In a heartwarming display of community service on the occasion of the Maghi Festival, Punjab Police Sewa Committee organized a langar (community kitchen) outside Punjab Police Headquarters (PPHQ) here on Tuesday.

The Maghi festival commemorates the martyrdom of 40 Sikh warriors who fought alongside 10th Sikh Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

During the occasion, Ardas was performed for Sarbat Da Bhala (Wellbeing for all), seeking the well-being and prosperity of all humanity.

Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Sukhchain Singh Gill joined the Ardas, underscoring the importance of community service and interfaith harmony. Later, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) SS Srivastava also attended the event.

The langar was organized as part of the philosophy "Kirat Karo, Naam Japo, Vand Chhako" (Work hard, pray, and share with others) of the first Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of selfless service and community welfare.

DGP Gaurav Yadav appreciated the efforts of the Punjab Police Sewa Committee and encouraged them to continue organizing such socio-religious initiatives, which foster a sense of communal harmony and social responsibility.