Chetna Manch urges Punjabis to unite for future of state

The Punjab Chetna Manch, a collective forum of leading intellectuals, writers and journalists of Punjab, extended warm greetings to Punjabis across India and abroad on the occasion of the 59th Punjab Day.

In a joint statement issued by Dr Lakhwinder Singh Johal (president), eminent journalist Satnam Singh Manak (general secretary), organising secretary Gurmeet Palahi, Ravinder Chot (secretary, Doaba Zone), Rajinder Singh Ruby (secretary, Majha Zone) and Dr Gurcharan Singh Noorpur (secretary, Malwa Zone), the forum urged Punjabis worldwide to stand united and contribute in addressing the challenges faced by the state.

The leaders of the Manch stated that Punjab is currently grappling with severe social, economic and political crises. They held both the Central governments of different times as well as successive state governments and political parties equally responsible for the present state of affairs. Instead of being discouraged, they stressed the need for collective struggle and active participation of every Punjabi at their respective levels to safeguard the future of the state.

Paying homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the creation of the Punjabi Suba, the Manch said that the sacrifices of countless Punjabis cannot be forgotten. “The Punjabi Suba was achieved after a long and determined struggle, and many embraced martyrdom. Their contributions will forever remain a proud chapter of Punjab’s history,” the statement read.

The forum appealed to Punjabis to continue their peaceful struggle for key unresolved issues, including securing Chandigarh as the capital of Punjab, ensuring justice on river water disputes, resolving the agricultural crisis, promoting industrial development, providing quality education and healthcare to the youth, creating adequate employment opportunities, and ensuring the rightful status of the Punjabi mother tongue within the state.

The intellectuals further asserted that Punjab is not just a geographical territory but a shared home and identity. “We must remain proud of our glorious heritage and history. Punjab’s dignity and progress depend on our unity, awareness and democratic struggle,” they said.