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Bhagwant Mann Police Arrest 95 Drug Smugglers, Seize 36.8 Kg Heroin in Anti-Drug Drive

By
Neha Kumari
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Bhagwant- Mann
Google

Bhagwant Mann Police has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking networks as part of its ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign. In the latest operation, the police arrested 95 alleged drug smugglers and recovered 36.8 kg of heroin, 240 intoxicant pills, and ₹3,370 in suspected drug money.

Bhagwant Mann Police Arrest 95 Drug Smugglers

The operation was carried out as part of the Punjab Police’s sustained efforts against drug trafficking and in coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Punjab.

Apart from enforcement action, the police also focused on rehabilitation. Seven individuals were counselled and persuaded to seek de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, highlighting the department’s approach of combining strict action against drug networks with support for people struggling with substance abuse.

Seize 36.8 Kg Heroin in Anti-Drug Drive

The latest arrests and seizures underline Punjab Police’s continued efforts to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs and strengthen the state’s campaign against drug abuse.

Viral Video: House Hunt Turns Into Horror! Ferocious Pitbull Attacks, Bites Couple in Patiala, Check

By
Purnima Jain
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Viral- Video
Google

Viral Video: A routine property inspection in Patiala reportedly turned into a frightening ordeal when a pitbull suddenly attacked a couple visiting the house with a real estate dealer. The husband and wife had gone to inspect the property when the dog allegedly lunged at them after they rang the doorbell. In the video, both suffered multiple bite injuries and were taken to a private hospital for treatment, while local residents reportedly stepped in to help during the incident.

What Actually Happened?

As per the information made available in the video, the man and his wife were said to be at the property in Patiala, Punjab, along with a real estate agent to check out the property. It was then that, reportedly, the couple rang the doorbell while examining the property. The pit bull is believed to have suddenly rushed at them and attacked both of them. Residents came forward to help the couple at the time. They have been said to be injured in the attack and hence were taken to a private hospital for their treatment.

Questions Concerning Pet Safety Arise from the Incident

The occurrence has led to new questions on how to control large or threatening dogs, especially when there are visitors or strangers coming into one’s premises. The occurrence has also made many think about the necessity of being careful when dealing with unfamiliar individuals while one’s pet is around.

People’s Opinions

The incident has prompted people to discuss the need for responsible dog ownership and better safety measures. Many believe pet owners should ensure their dogs cannot suddenly attack visitors, while others have called for greater awareness about handling powerful dog breeds. 

Note: This Article has been done on the information provided in this viral video/ post. DNP India doesn’t endorse, subscribe or verify the claims.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Government Schools Introduce Bagless Saturdays to Promote Experiential Learning

By
Neha Kumari
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CM- Yogi- Adityanath
Google

CM Yogi Adityanath: Government schools in Uttar Pradesh are introducing Bagless Saturdays for students in Classes 6 to 8, with the initiative designed to take learning beyond traditional classroom teaching.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath Government Schools Introduce Bagless Saturdays

According to the Information and Public Relations Department, UP, students will have 10 Bagless Saturdays focused on creativity, practical skills, sports and hands-on learning instead of carrying their regular school bags.

Bagless Saturdays to Promote Experiential Learning

The programme will include activities covering science, technology, art, culture and the environment, along with sports, clubs and other experiential learning opportunities.

Students will also be exposed to emerging areas such as coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship, helping them develop practical and creative skills alongside their academic studies.

Educational visits and activity-based learning will form another part of the initiative, giving students opportunities to connect classroom concepts with real-world experiences.

The Uttar Pradesh government said the Bagless Saturday programme aims to encourage joyful and experiential learning, allowing children to explore their interests and develop skills beyond conventional textbooks and classroom instruction.

The initiative is being implemented in government schools as part of efforts to create a more engaging learning environment for students across Uttar Pradesh.

Bhagwant Mann: AAP Punjab Highlights Free Electricity and Water Support for Farmers

By
Neha Kumari
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Bhagwant- Mann
Google

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab has highlighted the Bhagwant Mann government’s initiatives aimed at addressing key challenges faced by farmers, particularly access to electricity and water for agriculture.

Bhagwant Mann: AAP Punjab Highlights Free Electricity and Water Support for Farmers

In a social media post, AAP Punjab said farmers are receiving free electricity for agricultural purposes along with improved access to irrigation water. The party said these measures are intended to reduce difficulties associated with farming and provide greater support to the agricultural community.

The post also featured a farmer expressing gratitude

The post also featured a farmer expressing gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for the government’s measures. According to AAP Punjab, easier access to water and electricity has helped reduce the need for farmers to struggle for irrigation facilities and work through the night.

AAP Punjab said the initiatives are part of the government’s broader efforts to improve conditions for farmers and bring changes to the agricultural sector.

The party described the measures as an effort to address longstanding farming-related problems and provide farmers with more reliable access to essential agricultural resources.

UP Government Highlights Skill Development and Employment Gains Under CM Yogi Adityanath

By
Neha Kumari
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CM- Yogi -Adityanath
Google

The Uttar Pradesh government has highlighted its skill development and employment initiatives under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, stating that the state is working towards its goal of providing employment opportunities to its youth.

UP Government Highlights Skill Development

According to the state government, more than 20 lakh young people have received skill development training, while 12.50 lakh youths have secured employment through the initiatives.

The government said the programmes are aimed at strengthening employability by equipping young people with industry-relevant skills and connecting trained candidates with job opportunities.

Employment Gains Under CM Yogi Adityanath

The figures were shared as part of the Uttar Pradesh government’s broader emphasis on youth development and employment generation. The administration has positioned skill training as an important component of its efforts to create opportunities for young people across the state.

The initiative reflects the government’s stated objective of translating the vision of “Har Haath Ko Kaam” (work for every hand) into practical employment and skill-building opportunities for the people of Uttar Pradesh.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Inaugurates Five-Storey Government School for Girls in Malerkotla

By
Neha Kumari
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Bhagwant- Mann
Google

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated a newly constructed five-storey government school for girls in Malerkotla, describing the facility as a special gift for daughters on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Inaugurates Five-Storey Government School

According to Mann, the school project was completed at a cost of ₹6.34 crore, while ₹5.25 lakh was saved from the government exchequer during its completion.

Mann cited the performance of students from government schools

The Chief Minister highlighted the Punjab government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public education and claimed that the state has emerged as a leading performer in education across India.

Mann cited the performance of students from government schools as an example of the progress made in the education sector. He said 882 students from government schools cleared NEET, while 361 students qualified for JEE.

He also emphasized initiatives aimed at ensuring that girls can continue their education without transportation becoming a barrier. More than 15,000 female students are currently being provided dedicated bus services, according to the Chief Minister.

Mann said the new school infrastructure and student-focused initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to improving access to quality education, particularly for girls.

The inauguration comes as Punjab continues to focus on expanding and upgrading government-school infrastructure and encouraging students to pursue higher education and competitive examinations.

Sadak Surakhya Force To Make Punjab India’s Road Safety Hub With AI, Drones and Satellite Technology

By
Harsh
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Punjab Police

Not only is the Punjab Police ensuring the safety of residents from criminals, but it is also setting new standards with its flagship project of Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF), a dedicated highway patrol for saving the lives of commuters and making Punjab Police the first 3D Police Force in India by integrating drones, satellite imagery, and AI-powered predictive systems.

The impact of the dedicated highway patrol is already visible on the roads it mans. From February 2024 to January 2026, the SSF attended 43,983 road accidents, helping a total of 47,386 people. During these interventions, 19,973 persons were provided first aid at the spot, while 27,413 injured persons were shifted to hospitals, contributing towards saving lives through prompt emergency response and medical assistance.

The Punjab SSF, introduced as a dedicated force for highway safety, focuses exclusively on patrolling designated stretches of highways and major roads. Unlike conventional policing, SSF personnel are not diverted for routine law-and-order duties, with their primary focus being road safety, rapid response and assistance to accident victims.

The force is equipped with 144 high-tech vehicles and more than 1,600 specially trained personnel, including nearly 28 percent women recruits. The teams are strategically deployed every 30 km along 4,100 km of critical national and state highways and major district roads. SSF teams respond to accidents within an average of 6 to 10 minutes, significantly faster than global benchmarks.

Built around the “platinum 10 minutes” principle, SSF personnel aim to reach accident victims within six to eight minutes to provide immediate medical assistance before the ambulance or hospital takes over. The vehicles are equipped with speed guns, alcometers (breathalyzers), e-challan machines, dash cams and first-aid kits.

On this, Punjab DGP (Director General of Police)Gaurav Yadav stated, “Personnel received specialised training, including crash investigation and emergency medical response. For the last two years, reports consistently show a massive 45-48 percent drop in road accident fatalities on the specific highway stretches they patrol. On such SSF-manned roads, fatalities reportedly dropped from 1,955 in 2023 to 1,016 in 2024. That’s approximately 940 lives saved on those specific corridors in about a year.”

The SSF was officially launched by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on January 27, 2024, in Jalandhar. The force was created to tackle Punjab’s high rate of road accident fatalities, which was averaging 17-18 deaths per day.

Beyond road safety, SSF teams have also supported wider enforcement and public assistance efforts, recovering contraband such as 6 kg of opium and stolen vehicles, while also facilitating the return of cash and gold to their rightful owners. The teams have also helped prevent more than 12 suicides and assisted schoolchildren, late-night women travellers and tourists.

*Phase II to expand SSF coverage*

Meanwhile, the ongoing Phase II expansion will extend SSF coverage from the existing 5,500 km to 6,000 km of state roads. The longer-term Vision SSF-2047 seeks to build an integrated road safety ecosystem combining satellite data, artificial intelligence, drones and geospatial technologies.

The proposed 3D policing model will combine drones, satellite imagery and AI-powered predictive systems to create real-time situational awareness, anticipate risks and support faster police response to make overall traffic and road safety police more versatile.   

“With an aim of digital enforcement integrating Artificial Intelligence and satellite data, the ‘Vision SSF-2047’ includes achieving minimal road accidents, fully green mobility corridors, and establishing regional research hubs under the Punjab Road Safety and Traffic Research Centre (PRSTRC),” said the DGP.

“The sole target of this project is making Punjab India’s road safety hub using science, systems, and synergy. Punjab Police will use satellite communication and geospatial data for incident mapping, congestion prediction, and disaster management. The SSF is already India’s first dedicated force for highway safety,” said the DGP.

He further added, “Under the leadership of the Punjab Government, the state created India’s first fully specialised force for highway safety and changed the way road safety is delivered. We rely on rapid response, professional training, and service-first mandate. We are further exploring the possibilities to integrate it with geo synchronous nanno or micro satellite of our own.”

The SSF project works under various arms, including the Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS), which serves as the technological backbone by integrating AI, IoT sensors and real-time analytics for automated enforcement, smart surveillance and data-driven traffic planning.

With Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)-based enforcement, predictive analytics and mobile interceptors, the police have already achieved an average accident response time of under seven minutes. Under the ‘Road Safety Punjab’ vision, traffic management is being transformed using the 7E Framework: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, Electronics, Emergency Care, Engagement and Evaluation. This strategy marks a shift from intuition-based management to an evidence-based, technology-driven approach.

On the other hand, the PRSTRC leads research, consultancy and training. It is supported by Research Advisory Groups (RAGs) from academia, industry and civil society. Active collaborations with leading educational institutions such as IITs, NITs, Plaksha University, GNDEC Ludhiana and GNDU Amritsar make the PRSTRC centres an umbrella organisation for regional centres of excellence, fostering innovation through shared data, joint projects and internships.

Compared with other states, the data reveals significant variations in how states approach highway safety, technology adoption and public accountability mechanisms. The SSF is structurally different from models in other states, such as the Maharashtra Highway Police, which is a highly modernised and effective wing of the existing state police, rather than a separate force.

“The success isn’t just from new vehicles, it’s a shift in philosophy from enforcement to service,” said the DGP.

Meanwhile, SDGP (Traffic & Road Safety Punjab) Amardeep Singh Rai said, “Regular police are trained for law and order, which is a very different and broad skillset. The SSF, on the other hand, received highly specialised training with a clear, non-negotiable priority: saving lives. The SSF personnel were put through specific training modules on emergency response and first aid, including training from the Red Cross, and are trained in ‘crash investigation’. The entire force is built around one concept: the platinum 10 minutes, which mandates reaching an accident victim within six to eight minutes to provide immediate medical relief before the ambulance or hospital takes over.”

“In addition, they are not pulled for VIP duty or diverted for local law-and-order issues. Their sole key performance indicator (KPI) is road safety and victim assistance,” he added.

Shield Sovereign Economy! RSS’s Economic Wing Cautions Govt Over US Tariff Sanctions, What’s In Store?

By
Purnima Jain
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US- Tariff
Google

US Tariff: The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), the RSS’s economic wing, said it deeply regrets a recently passed US Senate legislation that would let the American president impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries making significant purchases of Russian oil. SJM national co-convener Ashwani Mahajan noted the bill hasn’t completed the full legislative process yet, so tariffs won’t kick in automatically, but he called it a serious threat to fair international trade and countries’ right to set their own energy policy.

“No Country Can Dictate India’s Energy Choices”

Mahajan said India’s Russian crude purchases are driven by price, availability, supply diversification and consumer interest, not politics. He argued that no outside power has the right to dictate India’s sovereign trade and energy decisions, and that trade talks with Washington “cannot be conducted on gun point.”

Call for a Boycott

The SJM urged the government to consider a boycott of American products and services if the US continues acting against India’s interests. It also asked that any India-US trade negotiation be based on equality, reciprocity and mutual respect, without compromising agriculture, dairy, energy security or strategic autonomy.

The Bigger Tariff Picture

The warning comes against the backdrop of already steep US tariffs on Indian goods, which were doubled from 25 percent to 50 percent last year, partly tied to India’s continued Russian oil purchases. India’s Chief Economic Adviser has estimated the tariffs could shave off 0.5 to 0.6 percent from GDP this financial year, with sectors like textiles, jewelry and leather goods among the hardest hit.

What Comes Next

US Tariff: With India-US trade talks ongoing, the SJM’s intervention adds pressure on the government to hold a firm line on Russian oil purchases even as export losses mount, setting up a delicate balancing act between economic ties with Washington and India’s energy autonomy.

“No Bells Will Ring in Hindu Temples” Ex Pakistani Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed Issues Apocalyptic Threats Against India, Shares Stage With Hardliners

By
Purnima Jain
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Sheikh- Rasheed- Ahmed
Google

Speaking at a public gathering, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said Allah would destroy India if the country ever “looked towards Pakistan.” He went further, declaring that no birds would chirp and no temple bells would ring in India, framing his remarks as a warning that nothing could happen against Pakistan without consequence.

Shared Stage With LeT-Linked Figures

What makes the event notable is who else was present. Rasheed spoke alongside figures linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a group designated a terrorist organization by the United Nations and multiple countries. He also praised Hafiz Saeed, LeT’s co-founder, who has long been wanted over his role in militant activity against India.

A US Expulsion Claim

During his remarks, Rasheed claimed he had faced consequences in the United States after Hafiz Saeed’s phone number was allegedly found on his own phone, saying this led to him being expelled from the US. He offered no further detail on the claim.

Not His First Fiery Statement

This isn’t new territory for Rasheed. He has a long history of provocative remarks toward India, including past comments about jihad being a religious duty and warnings of nuclear conflict if hostilities ever escalated. His statements have repeatedly drawn attention for aligning with hardline rhetoric even while he held formal office in Pakistan.

Why It Matters Now

The remarks add to ongoing friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, and the presence of LeT-linked individuals at the same event has raised fresh concern over the space given to hardline voices in Pakistan’s public discourse. No official response has been issued by Indian authorities so far.

Cauvery Row Reaches Streets! Karnataka Bandh Today, Will Schools, Banks, Buses and Shops Face Disruption?

By
Purnima Jain
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Karnataka- Bandh
Google

Karnataka is witnessing a complete shutdown today, August 13, because of the ongoing Cauvery water row. The 12-hour-long bandh will be observed from 6 AM till 6 PM and is likely to affect mainly transportation and businesses.

Why Karnataka is Witnessing Bandh Today?

Pro-Kannada groups have called for the bandh due to the Cauvery water row. The bandh will be held against the order of sharing water and also to ensure that the work on various projects like Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri proceeds.

Will Schools Be Closed?

Schools are expected to remain open in most parts of Karnataka. Karnataka-associated management of schools had withdrawn their call for schools to be closed amid the bandh after being worried about disrupting the school timetable.

What About the Banks and Offices?

The banks and essential services will run as normal. The hospitals and pharmacies are also supposed to remain functional. The corporate offices will also run; however, some corporations might allow their employees to work from home in case there is any problem with transport.

Will the Buses, Taxis, and Shops Be Affected?

The public transport, including buses, taxis, and autorickshaws, might be affected in several places. The shops, markets, hotels and other commercial business establishments will also be closed in places where the bandh gets more support. Bengaluru will not be much affected, with many organizations not being supportive of total shutdown.

What Should Commuters Know?

People travelling across Karnataka should expect possible traffic restrictions, protests and transport delays. Those travelling towards Tamil Nadu border areas may face additional disruption. Monsoon conditions could further affect travel during the day

Jail or Hotel? Prajwal Revanna’s Phone Seizure Leads to Fresh FIR After 90 Videos Recovered, Check

By
Purnima Jain
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Prajwal- Revanna
Google

Prajwal Revanna: A new FIR has been lodged against former Member of Parliament (MP) Prajwal Revanna as a mobile phone and some other restricted equipment were found in his cell at Bengaluru’s jail premises. In addition, the subsequent investigation revealed that there were 90 pornographic videos stored on the mobile phone.

Mobile Phone Found in Jail Cell of Prajwal Revanna

The raid was carried out at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison in Bengaluru city, where Revanna has been sentenced to life imprisonment due to his rape charges. Some restricted equipment, like mobile phone, pen drive, and charger, was seized from Revanna’s cell.

Ninety Videos Recovered from Seized Phone

As per the Crime Branch investigation reported in India Today, the recovered device has approximately 90 pornographic videos. It has become an additional aspect for the investigation in relation to the possession and usage of the phone within the prison by Revanna.Apart from this, the investigation will find out how the phone was brought into the prison premises.

New FIR Spotlights Security Arrangements of Jail

The new incident has highlighted the security arrangement of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. This incident has also raised some doubts as to whether the high-profile inmates are provided with such facilities, which are not allowed as per the jail rules.

Investigation Underway Into How Phone Entered Prison Cell

Authorities are now investigating how the prohibited mobile phone, pen drive and charger reached Prajwal Revanna’s prison cell. The incident has raised concerns over security checks at the high-security facility. Officials are also examining whether any prison personnel or other individuals helped the device enter the jail. The investigation could determine whether further action is required over the reported security lapse.

Final Whistle? Lionel Messi Openly Questions His Footballing Future in Heartbreaking Farewell Letter to His Father and Manager

By
Purnima Jain
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Lionel- Messi
Google

Lionel Messi: Jorge Messi, who guided his son’s career from childhood in Rosario all the way to global stardom, died on August 7 at the age of 68 following a long illness. Lionel Messi confirmed the news of his father’s demise with an emotional Instagram post, calling his father “a father, a friend and a manager” and thanking him for everything he had done.

Doubts Over His Playing Career

The most talked-about part of the letter came when Messi turned to his own future in the sport. He said he had only ever known football, and now had real doubts about continuing to play much longer without his father Jorge Messi by his side. The admission has fuelled fresh speculation that retirement may be closer than fans expected.

The World Cup Backdrop

Messi also reflected on the 2026 World Cup, revealing his father’s health had already declined badly before the tournament began. Jorge had pushed him to play anyway, and Messi said he had wanted to win the final and bring the trophy home for him, but his body couldn’t carry him through it.

Tributes Pour In

The post drew responses from across the football world, including a message of support from longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who offered his condolences and strength during a difficult time. Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona, and the Argentina national team also sent tributes.

What This Means Going Forward

Messi missed Inter Miami’s recent Leagues Cup match to attend his father’s wake, and his short-term plans with the club remain unclear. While he stopped short of confirming an outright retirement, the tone of the letter has left fans and pundits watching closely for any further word on how much longer Messi intends to keep playing.

New Beginnings! Karoline Leavitt Steps Down as White House Press Secretary, Check Reason

By
Purnima Jain
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Karoline- Leavitt
Google

Karoline Leavitt resigns as Press Secretary for the White House towards the end of August 2026, as she seeks to spend more time with her family following the high-profiled role that she has had with the Trump administration.

Karoline Leavitt to Resign as Press Secretary

Karoline Leavitt will resign from the post of press secretary for the White House towards the end of August 2026, as President Donald Trump announced earlier.  Leavitt was appointed as the Press Secretary for the White House in January 2025 when she was just 27 years old. Thus, she became the youngest person to have ever held the position.

Why Is Karoline Leavitt Departing from the White House?

Leavitt decided to leave the White House because of her personal life. She took maternity leave last month due to the birth of her second child in May. The resignation emphasizes the difficulty of reconciling a difficult political position and family life. The woman explained that her resignation was a mixed one since she worked in the administration.

Leavitt Will Probably Remain an Adviser

Despite her resignation from the position in the White House, Leavitt may still be politically active. Trump announced that the woman would remain his adviser outside the administration. It would allow Leavitt to participate in political debates and work for the administration as an adviser.

Who Will Replace Karoline Leavitt?

The White House has not yet announced who will succeed Leavitt as press secretary. Her departure leaves an important communications position open. Her successor will be responsible for representing the administration before the media and communicating its policies and decisions to the public.

Punjab Expands Pilgrimage Scheme, 15 Buses Depart With Elderly Pilgrims for Salasar Balaji Dham-Shri Khatu Shyam, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura Ji-Vrindavan Dham

By
Harsh
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Punjab news

Carrying the spirit of seva and devotion, the Bhagwant Mann Government has expanded the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, with pilgrims now travelling to sacred destinations including Shri Khatu Shyam-Salasar Balaji, Haridwar-Rishikesh and Mathura ji-Vrindavan Dham. On Wednesday, 15 buses carrying pilgrims to these destinations were flagged off from Hoshiarpur by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also visited the buses to review the arrangements and interacted with the pilgrims.

Under the scheme, pilgrims aged 50 years and above can undertake the yatra, with up to two members from a family eligible to travel, while the government is providing AC sleeper bus travel, accommodation and food free of cost. In Phase-I of the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, 4 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at Sri Amritsar Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi in Phase-I.

Before flagging off the buses carrying pilgrims, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “For the people, this is a very big opportunity in their lives to go on a pilgrimage. We just went inside the buses as well. The buses are very excellent, comfortable and air-conditioned. People do not need to spend anything. The Bhagwant Mann Government will bear all the expenses for travel, stay and food. Very good hotels have been arranged for the devotees. Good buses have also been arranged after they reach there, so there is no need to worry.”

The AAP National Convenor pointed out, “Today, 15 buses are going to Haridwar-Rishikesh, Mathura ji-Vrindavan Dham and Salasar- ShriKhatu Shyam. We spoke to the people inside the buses, many of whom are getting the opportunity to visit Salasar and Shri Khatu Shyam for the first time. In the coming months, a total of 1.5 lakh people from Punjab will be taken to different pilgrimage destinations.”

Wishing the pilgrims a blessed journey, Arvind Kejriwal said, “I congratulate everyone and pray for a blessed journey. I pray that the pilgrims return with blessings that Punjab becomes prosperous, the people of Punjab remain happy, and there is happiness and peace in Punjab. I wish everyone happiness and good health and a blessed journey.”

Speaking on the occasion of the flagging off of buses under the Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “On this holy occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has come from Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Mukerian and adjoining areas and is travelling to Khatu Shyam, Salasar, Vrindavan, Mathura, Rishikesh or wherever they are going for darshan. Earlier too, pilgrimage buses have been running to religious places such as Darbar Sahib, Ram Tirath, Amritsar Sahib, Wagah Border and Fatehgarh Sahib. Religious places of all faiths convey the message of humanity and mutual brotherhood.”

The Chief Minister stated, “Today, 15 buses are going from Hoshiarpur to Vrindavan, Salasar, Khatu Shyam, Rishikesh and Mathura. We met the pilgrims and the devotees sitting in the buses are very happy and are already singing bhajans. I pray that their journey is auspicious, that they go happily, singing and rejoicing, and return after praying for the betterment and progress of Punjab. I appeal to everyone to go for darshan and return after offering ardaas, dua and aarti for the betterment, progress and good health of Punjab.”

He said, “AC sleeper buses have been arranged for the journey of all pilgrims and air-conditioned rooms with adequate washroom facilities will be arranged for their stay. Free food and proper care will be provided to the pilgrims throughout the journey. Medical insurance of every pilgrim will be ensured so that in case of any emergency, they can receive free medical treatment at good empanelled hospitals. For the convenience of pilgrims, an attendant will remain present in every bus and a dedicated team has been deployed at every destination to ensure that the process of paying obeisance takes place smoothly.”

The Chief Minister stated, “On completion of the journey, all devotees will also be given prasad and a souvenir, a brass glass. People from any area, caste or religion can avail the facility of these religious journeys. This effort of the Punjab Government is fulfilling the aspirations of elderly people who wish to visit different religious places to pay obeisance and receive blessings.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A total of 15 buses carrying devotees from five districts, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Pathankot and Gurdaspur, have departed from Hoshiarpur for different religious destinations. Ten buses from Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Jalandhar and Kapurthala will go to Rishikesh-Haridwar. Similarly, two buses from Phagwara and Gurdaspur will carry devotees to Mathura-Vrindavan, while three buses from Jalandhar and Gurdaspur will carry devotees to Shri Khatu Shyam-Salasar.”

He said, “In the first phase of the scheme, 4 lakh pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at Sri Amritsar Sahib and Sri Anandpur Sahib-Naina Devi. Clusters have been formed from different districts for this pilgrimage. ₹148 crore has been spent on this pilgrimage so far and a target has been set to take 10 lakh pilgrims on these yatras. A tent city has also been set up at Sri Anandpur Sahib for this special pilgrimage and the yatra is proceeding very smoothly.”

On the occasion senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia and others were also present.

‘Hamare Ram’ Play Receives Praise Across Punjab, Book Your Free Tickets Now: Arvind Kejriwal

By
Harsh
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Punjab news

The sacred atmosphere of Hoshiarpur resonated with the chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ on Wednesday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann joined devotees at the ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ devotional evening. Amid the gathering, the AAP Chief highlighted the Bhagwant Mann Government’s efforts to celebrate the state’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, saying that the ‘Hamare Ram’ play is receiving appreciation across Punjab.

The AAP National Convenor urged people to book their free passes in advance for the veteran actor Ashutosh Rana-starrer, which will be staged in Hoshiarpur on September 4 and 5, as the Bhagwant Mann government is organising the show free of cost for the people of Punjab.

Addressing the gathering, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, “We have just flagged off 15 buses. Some of these buses are going to Salasar-Shri Khatu Shyam, some to Haridwar-Rishikesh and some to Mathura-Vrindavan. Until now, there were only two routes under Punjab’s Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra Scheme. On the first route, pilgrims travelled to Sri Anandpur Sahib and Naina Devi, while the second route covered Darbar Sahib, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Shri Durgiana Temple and Wagah Border. On the demand of the people, three new routes, Salasar-Shri Khatu Shyam, Mathura ji -Vrindavan Dham and Haridwar-Rishikesh, have been started from today. In the next few months, 1.5 lakh pilgrims will be taken on these three routes.”

Praising the facilities being provided to pilgrims, the AAP National Convenor stated, “The air-conditioned buses arranged for the pilgrimage are so comfortable that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann was saying that even first class on an aeroplane does not offer such an experience. Some people may think that they are well-off and therefore do not need to travel for free. But travelling together with your friends, relatives and people from your neighbourhood, singing bhajans throughout the journey and remaining immersed in devotion to God gives a different kind of joy in life. This is not about being rich or poor. Everyone should experience it.”

Speaking about the ‘Hamare Ram’ play, Arvind Kejriwal said, “A magnificent play called ‘Hamare Ram’ has started in Mohali. Everyone who has watched it is saying that they have never seen a play on Lord Ram like this before. The play will also be staged in Hoshiarpur on September 4 and 5. There are very few seats, so people should book their seats now. In other states, one seat for this play costs ₹8,000, but CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has made it completely free for the people of Punjab.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann began his speech with ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jaikara Veer Bajrangi’. During the devotional evening, he said, “The sacred month of Sawan is going on, and this is the glory of Lord Shiva. Kanwariyas are travelling with their faith towards their respective places of worship. Langars have been organised along the route to Mata Chintpurni. There is a huge gathering here. No one has been brought here by offering them any inducement, nor have any tickets been sold. People have come here on their own. Mothers and sisters have also turned up in large numbers.”

Assuring women who are yet to receive their payment under Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, the Chief Minister stated, “Those who have received the message that the money has been credited to their accounts are fine, and those whose accounts have not received the money should fill the form. The money will also reach their accounts. There may be some delay from the government side in getting the forms filled, but there will be no delay in making the payments. Not a single mother or sister will be deprived of her rightful due.”

Describing the gathering as a powerful expression of Punjab’s brotherhood and faith, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Today, a very big proof of Punjab’s mutual brotherhood is standing before me. Hoshiarpur is a city of educated people, and great poets, saints, faqirs and pirs have emerged from this land. We are standing at Dussehra Ground. I had told Arvind Kejriwal that you may have seen a flood of water in a river, but today you are seeing a flood of people for the first time. This is a flood of devotion to Lord Shiva.”

Highlighting the devotion of the people who gathered despite the humidity, he said, “People have brought even their small children along with them. There can be no greater earning than this. We consider ourselves very fortunate that we have organised this programme for the people. It is very hot, and the fans are running, but people are still sitting here completely immersed in devotion. In a little while, Kailash Kher will immerse everyone in the colours of devotion so deeply that they will not even realise who is sitting to their right or left.”

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