Martyrs are nation’s treasure: Dharamsot

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 19

Martyrs are any nation’s treasure and a country can flourish only if it follows the path shown by our great martyrs, said Punjab Forests and Wildlife Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, here on Saturday.

He was addressing a gathering on the occasion of the death anniversary of former minister Joginder Pal Pandey.

Dharamsot said martyrs such as former CM Beant Singh, former minister Joginder Pal Pandey and several others laid down their lives for restoring peace and communal harmony of the state. He said the state government would not let anyone disturb this hard-earned peace and communal harmony at any cost. He said the state government was committed to develop Punjab as per the dreams of our great martyrs.

Former CM and Punjab Planning Board vice-chairperson Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and MP Ludhiana Ravneet Singh Bittu said: “Throughout his entire life, Joginder Pal Pandey worked above party lines, wholeheartedly for the welfare of mankind.” It was only due to his anti-terrorism stance that Punjab is now a peaceful state and an example of communal harmony, they said, adding that peace loving Punjabis can never forget the sacrifices made by Beant Singh and Joginder Pal Pandey.

The function was also addressed by Ludhiana (North) MLA Rakesh Pandey, Ludhiana Mayor Balkar Singh Sandhu, and others.

Citizen Bhawan comes up in South City 

Ludhiana: Former CM and Punjab Planning Board vice-chairperson Rajinder Kaur Bhattal inaugurated the building of newly-constructed Senior Citizen’s Bhawan in the South City area of the city.  This bhawan has been constructed at a cost of Rs 12 lakh by Senior Citizen’s Welfare Council. MLA Rakesh Pandey was also present on the occasion. Bhattal said the Senior Citizen’s Society is a very good initiative for the elderly. She said during earlier times, people used to visit one another’s homes, but in today’s time, this thing was missing, which is why elderly people are sometimes confined to the boundary of their homes. Such initiatives are a great way to bring the elderly out of loneliness, so that they can get together and discuss their problems and other issues with people of their age. Besides, they can also put their time to optimum use and show right path to our society, especially the young generation. While urging the youth to respect the elderly, Bhattal said the elderly people were the main pillars of our society, as they have years of experience that can be very useful to the present generation.  She called upon other social organisations to come forward and contribute for the betterment of society. She also assured all possible support to the society members. Prominent among those present on the occasion included society president Arun Seth, secretary Vinod Kumar Mahindra, councillor Baljinder Singh Sandhu, Jagroop Singh, besides others.— TNS