Punjab Newsline | Ferozepur
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his government was committed to transforming the state's youth from job seekers into job creators by prioritising education, technical learning, skill development and sports.
Addressing the first convocation ceremony of Shaheed Bhagat Singh University in the presence of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Mann said the state government had allocated 26% of its budget to education, resulting in significant improvements in government schools over the past four years.
Congratulating the graduating students, the Chief Minister urged them to remain connected with their roots, contribute to society and make their parents and teachers proud. He said the convocation marked the culmination of their hard work and dedication and the beginning of a new journey filled with opportunities and responsibilities.
Highlighting the university's growth, Mann said Shaheed Bhagat Singh University was established in 2021 over 98 acres and currently had more than 2,600 students. Its enrolment is expected to double by next year. He said strengthening educational infrastructure in border areas had remained a priority of the state government, ensuring access to quality higher education for students in these regions.
The Chief Minister said the university was preparing students not merely to seek employment but also to become entrepreneurs and generate job opportunities for others. He expressed confidence that its graduates would establish businesses and contribute to the development of schools, colleges and villages.
Highlighting improvements in government school education, Mann said 882 students from Punjab government schools had qualified NEET in the recently declared results, compared to just 80 in 2021. He described it as an almost eleven-fold increase, adding that several successful students belonged to economically weaker families, including those of rickshaw pullers, small shopkeepers and vegetable vendors.
Mann also highlighted the government's commitment to sports, stating that ₹1,794 crore had been allocated to the sector to strengthen infrastructure and create more opportunities for young talent.
Referring to the recently organised Asian Hockey Championship, he said Punjab had hosted an international sporting event in the state for the first time. He added that success was not limited to becoming a doctor or engineer, as sports and several other fields offered immense opportunities to young people.
Urging parents to support their children's aspirations, Mann said every child had different strengths and talents and should be encouraged to pursue their dreams. He emphasised that parental and teachers' support played a crucial role in shaping the future of young people.
The Chief Minister also encouraged graduates to prepare for prestigious competitive examinations, particularly the UPSC, and aspire to become IAS and IPS officers. He said the real journey began after completing education, when students had to face professional responsibilities and new challenges.
Speaking about opportunities in the armed forces, Mann said Punjab's border-area youth had a strong inclination towards joining the National Defence Academy and other defence institutions.
He said that following discussions with the Chief of Army Staff and Western Command leadership, he had assured them that the state government would organise recruitment awareness and preparation camps to encourage more Punjabi youth to join the armed forces, including the Sikh Regiment.
Highlighting Punjab's contribution to Indian sports, Mann referred to prominent players Harmanpreet Singh, Shubman Gill, Harmanpreet Kaur and Palpreet Singh Brar, saying they had brought laurels to the country by leading Indian teams in hockey, cricket and basketball.
Calling upon graduates to contribute to Punjab's development, the Chief Minister said the state's youth should not limit their aspirations to opportunities abroad. He expressed confidence that educated young people would serve society, contribute to their homeland and bring pride to Punjab wherever they went.
Mann assured the graduating students that he would always remain available to support them and wished them success in their future endeavours.
