Punjab Newsline | Kapurthala
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said the state government was transforming the education system to empower children and make young people self-reliant through quality education, skill development and employment opportunities. He said the government’s goal was to turn Punjab’s youth into job creators rather than job seekers.
Addressing the 14th convocation of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU) in Kapurthala, the Chief Minister said the state government had provided 70,000 government jobs on merit and was taking several steps to improve the quality of education in government schools.
He said previous governments had failed to give adequate attention to education and employment, forcing many young people to look for better opportunities abroad. The present government, he added, was working to create an environment in which Punjab’s youth could fulfil their aspirations and build successful careers within the state.
Education and Sports Key to Punjab’s Future
Mann said sustained efforts over the past four years had helped Punjab attain the number one position in education, urging young people to make education and sports the foundation of the state’s bright future.
Congratulating the graduating students, he said a degree was not merely a piece of paper but an important step towards turning dreams into reality, achieving ambitions and contributing meaningfully to society.
He called upon the graduates to use their knowledge, technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to help build a prosperous and vibrant Punjab.
Quoting former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the Chief Minister encouraged students to dream big and work relentlessly to achieve their goals. Referring to the celebrated Punjabi poet Avtar Pash, he urged them never to surrender their dreams in the face of adversity.
“Student life prepares young people for the realities of the world, where success requires determination, discipline, innovation and the courage to think differently,” Mann said.
He added that education and expertise should not remain limited to personal advancement but should also be used for the welfare of society and the progress of Punjab.
Government Schools Being Equipped with Modern Facilities
Highlighting the state government’s education reforms, Mann said the focus was on improving educational quality, accessibility, infrastructure and practical skills.
He said government schools were being equipped with furniture, smart classrooms and modern science laboratories. Innovative courses were also being introduced to prepare students for emerging technologies and new-age careers.
“Our objective is to ensure that children from ordinary families receive the same quality of education and opportunities as students from privileged backgrounds,” he said.
The Chief Minister said coordination among the three wings of education had been strengthened under a single minister to ensure focused implementation of reforms.
He added that teachers had been sent to Singapore and Finland to learn advanced teaching methodologies and bring international best practices into Punjab’s classrooms.
Mann said the government was also making learning more engaging and relevant to contemporary requirements, with artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies opening new avenues for students.
He said these initiatives were aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and practical capabilities required to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
Mann Urges Graduates to Build a Vibrant Punjab
Calling upon the graduating students to contribute to the state's development, Mann said Punjab needed young people who could turn their ideas into enterprises, generate employment and create opportunities for others.
He said the government was committed to enabling young people to pursue their ambitions in Punjab instead of being compelled to move abroad in search of a better future.
The Chief Minister described the convocation as a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates and wished them success in their professional journeys. He expressed hope that they would use their education and skills to contribute to society and help build a progressive and prosperous Punjab.
Targets BJP Over Drug Trafficking
During his address, Mann also criticised the BJP over the issue of drug trafficking, asking the party to focus on drug supplies through Gujarat and other parts of the country instead of targeting Punjab.
He said those accusing Punjab of failing to tackle the drug menace should also answer questions about drug trafficking elsewhere in the country.
Questioning the BJP-led Union Government, Mann asked how drug supplies continued through ports in Gujarat and other parts of India despite the party being in power at the Centre and in Gujarat.
“Punjab will not allow anyone to tarnish its image through selective criticism and political propaganda while ignoring the larger national dimensions of the drug trade,” he said.
The Chief Minister maintained that those criticising Punjab over the issue should also explain their own record in tackling drug trafficking.
Concluding his message to the graduates, Mann reiterated that quality education, sports, innovation and employment generation were essential to empowering Punjab’s youth and shaping the state’s future.
