The North News
Anandpur Sahib, October 6
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday called on teachers to play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the state’s glorious heritage among younger generations. Addressing a gathering at a Teachers’ Day event in Anandpur Sahib, Mann described teachers as “nation builders” who must educate students about Punjab’s cultural legacy. “Teaching is not a profession but a mission to enlighten young minds,” he said, adding that as the son of a teacher, he understands their dedication in shaping the nation’s future. The Chief Minister announced that after a gap of 55 years, the state government has begun constructing a Heritage Walkway leading to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Anandpur Sahib.
Mann also highlighted the devastating impact of recent floods, which destroyed 3,200 government schools, 19 colleges, 8,500 km of roads, and 2,500 bridges, along with crops spread over five lakh acres. He lauded the resilience of Punjabis and praised teachers for their service during the natural disaster, calling their contribution “an example rarely seen in global history.” Congratulating 71 educators honoured with the State Teacher Award, Mann said, “By recognising our teachers, we acknowledge their vital role as nation builders.” He invoked the Sanskrit roots of the word ‘Guru’—‘Gu’ meaning darkness and ‘Ru’ meaning remover—saying that a teacher’s duty is to “illuminate the minds of students with knowledge.”
Mann also detailed the state’s efforts to upgrade education quality. He said 234 principals and education officers had received training in Singapore, 152 head teachers at IIM Ahmedabad, and 144 primary teachers at Turku University in Finland. Another batch will travel to Finland in November. “To let teachers focus on teaching, 1,920 campus managers have been appointed,” he said, noting that these reforms were part of the “Education Revolution” launched in 2022.
The Chief Minister said Punjab had established 118 Schools of Eminence at a cost of ₹231.74 crore, providing free uniforms and bus services for girls. “These schools have become temples of modern learning,” he said, adding that even students from private institutions are seeking admission there. Mann said that 265 government school students qualified for the JEE Mains, 44 for JEE Advanced, and 848 for NEET. He also cited the success of Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), which saw participation from 25 lakh parents across 19,200 government schools.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, MP Malwinder Singh Kang, and other dignitaries attended the event.
