A sea of devotees converged at the Government College grounds on Tuesday as Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann joined the grand ‘Ek Sham Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ Bhajan Sandhya, where chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed across the venue. The Chief Minister also joined the devotees in raising the chants, while renowned singer Hansraj Raghuwanshi enthralled the gathering with devotional hymns.
During this, the Chief Minister said that Punjab’s tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood remains its greatest strength, asserting that people of all faiths celebrate every festival together and that no seed of hatred can ever take root in the state. He also announced that 40 lakh newly registered women will receive financial assistance from August 1, reiterating that the government is returning public money to the people through welfare initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for me to participate in this state level function filled with religious enthusiasm, joy and devotion. The state government has deliberately chosen this sacred land for this mega event because it is a land of rich heritage, culture and spirituality. Celebrating this holy occasion here reflects our deep respect for our cultural and religious roots.”
Emphasising his government’s commitment to social harmony, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann continued, “Our Government is committed to fostering peace, communal harmony and brotherhood in the state. We are walking on the path of righteousness shown by the great Gurus, saints, seers and prophets. Our focus is on empowering Punjab’s youth through quality education and skills so they can build a bright future. Anything can germinate on Punjab’s fertile soil, but the seeds of hatred can never grow on this sacred land.”
Speaking about Punjab’s tradition of communal harmony, the Chief Minister stated, “Our great Gurus taught us the values of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood, and Punjabis celebrate all festivals together. Bhagwan Shiva is the Bhagwan of mercy and compassion who protects devotees from evil forces such as lust, greed and anger. Bhole Baba blesses his devotees with grace, wisdom and boons. Such occasions must be celebrated with traditional fervour and joy because they promote communal harmony, compassion and goodwill while bringing happiness and prosperity.”
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Highlighting the government’s respect for all faiths, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the state government has shown equal respect to every religion. As a secular government, we have made every effort to celebrate such occasions on a grand scale. We organised a series of programmes to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Hind Di Chadar, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, and are making elaborate preparations to celebrate the upcoming 650th Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji in a befitting manner.”
Referring to the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra Yojana, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “The state government is fortunate to have received this once in a lifetime opportunity to organise such mega events, and no stone is being left unturned. We launched the Mukh Mantri Teerath Yatra Yojana to enable devotees to undertake free pilgrimages to Sri Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Mandir, Bhagwan Valmiki Teerath Sthal, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Naina Devi Ji and other sacred sites. The scheme has now been expanded to include free ‘teerath’ to Haridwar, Khatu Shyam Ji Maharaj, Salasar Balaji and other holy places.”
Appealing for unity, he added, “The scheme is open to people of all castes, religions, income groups and regions, and pilgrims do not have to spend a single penny. I urge the people of Punjab to celebrate such auspicious occasions collectively by rising above the petty considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.”
Calling for a united and progressive Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is imperative to reject divisive and communal agendas so that we can build a Rangla Punjab and accelerate the state’s progress. Let us pledge today to eradicate social evils, support the downtrodden and work together for a prosperous, drug free Punjab.”
The state level event witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with people from all sections of society gathering to participate in the celebrations organised by the Punjab Government. The audience immersed themselves in the divine glory of Bhagwan Shiva and Bhagwan Parshuram Ji, while renowned singer Hansraj Raghuwanshi captivated devotees with bhajans filled with devotion and religious fervour.
