SAYS AN AWARD TO BE INSTITUTIONALISED IN THE MEMORY OF LEGENDARY WRITER
ASSERTS THAT WHAT KEATS WAS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE, DR SURJIT PATAR WAS FOR PUNJABI LANGUAGE
REITERATES COMMITMENT TO FURTHER PROMOTE PUNJABI LANGUAGE IN THE STATE
Amritsar, January 14-
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced to set up a state of the art Surjit Patar Centre for ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Guru Nanak Dev University.
Chairing a function to pay homage to the eminent writer here today, the Chief Minister said that this centre will be equipped with the latest ultra modern technology. He assured fulsome support and cooperation to the University for this Noble Cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced to institutionalise an Award in the memory of great writer which will be given to the budding writers to encourage them.
The Chief Minister said that appointments in the universities are being made for the sole purpose of promoting academics in these prestigious institutions. He said that the single point agenda is to ensure that education, and not groupism, gets boost in these premier institutions. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the great Gurus, saints and martyrs have taught us to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice.
Paying floral tributes to Dr Surjit Patar, The Chief Minister said that passing away of this great son of the soil was a huge and irreparable loss for the Punjabi literature. He said that Dr Surjit Patar was one of the greatest writers of Punjabi Literature and he had a strong personal bond with the late writer, who appreciated him a lot. Bhagwant Singh Mann recalled the enormous contribution of Dr Surjit Patar towards the promotion of Punjabi language, literature and culture, which would always be acknowledged by one and all.
The Chief Minister said that Dr Surjit Patar was one of the most celebrated Punjabi writers who had a deep impact on the psyche of every Punjabi adding that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that if English language had legendary writer Keats then Punjabi language has Dr Surjit Patar. He described Dr Surjit Patar as a ‘great writer’ who made an outstanding contribution for cementing the bond of communal harmony and brotherhood in the society through his pen. Recalling the literary services of the departed writer, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he was an imminent Punjabi litterateur who would ever inspire the budding writers through his prolific writings.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for promotion of Punjabi language. He said that the state government has allocated funds worth more than Rs 350 crore to the Punjabi University Patiala to bring it out of financial crunch. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it was imperative to ensure that the teaching staff could focus duly on educating the youth and promotion of Punjabi language.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government is duty bound to promote the mother tongue of every Punjabi and no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the students to speak and write the Punjabi language well so that they remain acquainted with their glorious heritage. He said that it is a matter of great pride for all of us that we are the flag bearers of this marvelous mother tongue, in which countless and rich literature has been penned.
The Chief Minister said that the history of the state is replete with enormous sacrifices made by the great martyrs who have made selfless sacrifices for humanity. He said that the youth must get inspiration from these martyrs and serve their country selflessly and passionately. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is the blessed and sacred land where people from all the religions, languages and sections of society reside peacefully and harmoniously.
The Chief Minister also extended his best wishes to the people on the sacred day of Maghi adding that this solemn occasion is observed every year in memory of the 40 Muktas (liberated ones) who laid down their lives in the battle of Khidrana, now known as Sri Muktsar Sahib. He said that the auspicious occasion of Maghi in Sri Muktsar Sahib was being held since time immemorial as a mark of respect to eulogize the supreme sacrifice of 40 Muktas, who valiantly fought against the Mughals. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on this day lakhs of people pay obeisance at the sanctum sanctorum of Gurdwara ‘Sri Tuti-Gandi Sahib’ at Sri Muktsar Sahib.
