Ludhiana (Gurpreet Singh): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Sunday invited Punjabis from across the state to participate in the ‘Jashan-e-Inquilab’ programme being organised at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) ground in Ludhiana on September 28 to mark the birth anniversary of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. Calling it a celebration of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, music, history and the legacy of its martyrs, Baltej Pannu said the programme would bring together people from across the state along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, ministers and MLAs.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said, “The ‘Jashan-e-Inquilab’ programme is dedicated to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and will celebrate the culture, music, history and glorious heritage of Punjab. The programme will begin at 3 PM at the PAU ground in Ludhiana and I appeal to Punjabis from every part of the state to participate in this celebration with their families.”
He said, “The renowned play Gagan Damama Bajio will be staged during the programme, while prominent Punjabi artists including Ranjit Bawa and Kulwinder Billa, along with prominent dhadi jathas, will perform. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, ministers, MLAs and people from across Punjab will participate in this celebration.”
Remembering the martyrs associated with Punjab’s revolutionary legacy, he said, “Along with Shaheed Bhagat Singh, we will remember Shaheed Sukhdev, who belonged to Ludhiana, and Shaheed Rajguru. Their sacrifices are an inseparable part of our history, and through this programme we want to ensure that the younger generation remains connected with their legacy.”
Appealing to families and young people to attend the event, Baltej Pannu said, “I appeal to every Punjabi to come to the PAU ground with their family and become part of this celebration. Our younger generation must know our history, understand the sacrifices of our martyrs and take pride in the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.”
He particularly appealed to turbaned Punjabis to participate in the celebration wearing yellow turbans, saying, “I especially invite all those who wear turbans to come wearing yellow turbans and become part of this historic celebration. Let us collectively celebrate the spirit, identity and heritage of Punjab.”
Baltej Pannu said the programme would showcase Punjab’s distinctive musical and cultural identity, adding, “Punjabi music has earned recognition not only in Bollywood but across the world. Through ‘Jashan-e-Inquilab’, we want to showcase the many colours of Punjab’s music, culture and traditions.”
He said, “We want to bring back the spirit of Rangla Punjab, a Punjab that sings, dances, celebrates its culture and takes pride in its heritage. Punjab has a glorious cultural identity and our young generation must remain connected with it.”
Referring to the growing participation of young people in sports and public events, Baltej Pannu said, “The large participation of Punjab’s youth in recent marathons is a reflection of the changing environment in the state. Around 25,000 young men and women participated in the marathon in Bathinda. This is the answer to those who tried to portray Punjab and its youth through the negative image of ‘Udta Punjab’.”
He said the Bhagwant Mann government had been creating positive opportunities for young people since 2022, stating, “Since 2022, the Bhagwant Singh Mann government has continuously worked to provide our younger generation with positive alternatives through sports and other activities. We want our youth to be seen on playgrounds, in sports events and in constructive activities.”
Highlighting sports infrastructure, the AAP Punjab Media In-charge said, “The government has developed 3,100 sports grounds across Punjab, of which around 750 have already been completed, while work on the remaining grounds is progressing. Initiatives such as Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan and youth runs are providing our young people with platforms to participate in sports and showcase their talent.”
He also welcomed the hosting of an international hockey tournament in Punjab, saying, “Punjab has produced some of the greatest players in the history of Indian hockey, but the state had not previously hosted such an international tournament. The fact that an international hockey tournament will now be held in Jalandhar and Mohali next month is a significant development for Punjab.”
Highlighting the state government’s work in agriculture and water management, Baltej Pannu said, “When the Bhagwant Singh Mann government took office, canal-water utilisation in Punjab was around 22%. Today, it has increased to over 88%. Greater utilisation of canal water is helping Punjab conserve its precious groundwater, and groundwater levels have also improved at several places.”
He said, “The Bhagwant Mann government is working to reduce the financial burden on ordinary families. The provision of 600 units of free electricity every two months has provided relief to families who earlier struggled to pay their electricity bills.”
Highlighting the government’s healthcare initiatives, Baltej Pannu said, “Through the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, families are receiving cashless healthcare coverage of up to ₹10 lakh. Such initiatives are helping ordinary families avoid the heavy financial burden that medical treatment can place on them.”
He also highlighted the work of the Sadak Surakhya Force, saying, “The Sadak Surakhya Force has significantly strengthened the response to road accidents. Its quick response helps accident victims receive timely assistance and is contributing to efforts to control fatalities on Punjab’s roads.”
Baltej Pannu said Punjab was witnessing renewed participation in sports, culture and public activities, adding, “Today, our young people are increasingly being seen on playgrounds, participating in marathons and joining other constructive activities. This is the Punjab we want to see, a Punjab that celebrates its culture, remembers its martyrs and gives its youth positive opportunities.”
Making a final appeal to Punjabis, he said, “I appeal to people from across Punjab to reach the PAU ground in Ludhiana on September 28 at 3 PM with their families. Let us come together to remember Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev and Shaheed Rajguru and celebrate the culture, music, traditions and spirit that have given Punjab its distinct identity.”
Baltej Pannu appealed, “Let us make ‘Jashan-e-Inquilab’ a grand celebration of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh’s legacy and the indomitable spirit of Punjab.”
