Seminar highlights Nehru’s legacy, presses for devp

A seminar titled “Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: Architect of Modern India” was organised here today under the leadership of senior Congress leader Krishan Kumar Bawa, Coordinator All India Congress (OBC) and in-charge Himachal Pradesh.

The event saw the participation of former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa; Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma, former minister Gurkirat Singh Kotli, MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, former minister Malkit Singh Dakha and senior leader Pawan Dewan.

Special tribute was paid to former Chief Minister Beant Singh. Families of freedom fighters and martyrs were also felicitated.

Addressing the gathering, Randhawa, Sharma, Khaira, Gurkirat, Dakha and Dewan recalled Nehru’s enduring contributions to Punjab, including the Bhakra Dam, Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, and PGIMER in Chandigarh. They said these institutions played a pivotal role in ushering both the Green and White Revolutions.

Randhawa launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accusing him of failing to act against the growing menace of gangsters in the state. Randhawa challenged Mann to fulfil his earlier promise of eliminating those sheltering gangsters, saying if he had the courage he should take decisive action. He warned that Punjab’s foremost challenge was survival, not development, as gangsters were openly issuing death threats and carrying out shootings. Randhawa further alleged that Mann and the BJP-led Union Government were complicit in worsening Punjab’s atmosphere, adding that unlike the Chief Minister, he would not remain silent in the face of such threats.

The leaders criticised the Punjab Government, alleging failure in its constitutional duty of ensuring public safety. Rising incidents of broad-daylight killings, they warned, remind people of the dark days of terrorism. They urged citizens to support the Congress Party for a secure and progressive Punjab.

Bawa expressed gratitude to attendees and highlighted that despite South Ludhiana generating the highest revenue for the state, it remains backward in terms of development. He pointed to rampant corruption and stressed the urgent need for infrastructure, particularly the Lohara Bridge, to ease traffic congestion.

The seminar witnessed a large turnout of party leaders, dignitaries and community representatives.