Paying tributes to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh on Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day), Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day reminds the nation of the supreme sacrifice made by the great revolutionary at the altar of the motherland, and called upon people to uphold the values for which the martyrs laid down their lives. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to honouring the martyrs and building a Rangla Punjab rooted in their vision.
Invoking the legacy of the nation’s greatest revolutionaries, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the occasion is not merely to remember their sacrifice but to carry forward their fearless ideals and unwavering stand against injustice. He renewed his resolve to serve Punjab and the nation in line with their vision, while also questioning the continued denial of the Bharat Ratna (highest honours) to these freedom fighters and asserting that India’s trajectory would have been profoundly different had such courageous, youth-driven leadership shaped its early years.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This day reminds us of the supreme sacrifice made by Shaheed Bhagat Singh for the motherland. The martyrdom of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev will forever inspire us to rise against injustice, tyranny and oppression. It is the moral duty of all of us to wage war against all forms of social maladies prevailing in society.”
Emphasising the transformative power of education, the Chief Minister stated that education remains the only lasting solution to eradicate poverty and social evils. “Education is the panacea of all the ills confronted by society, which is why the Punjab Government has prioritised it and taken path-breaking initiatives in the education sector. No freebie or concession can eliminate poverty or social evils, but education can pull people out of this vicious cycle by raising their standard of living. That is why our government is working tirelessly to improve the quality of education and empower the common man,” he added.
Highlighting the role of knowledge in societal transformation, he said, “Education is the light that dispels darkness. If we want real change, we must educate our children, empower them, uplift society and eliminate poverty. Real change will not come from temporary benefits but from true knowledge and awareness,” asserted CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to fulfilling the dreams of the martyrs, the Chief Minister said, “The Punjab Government is leaving no stone unturned to cherish the aspirations of our great martyrs. We are duty-bound to ensure the progress of Punjab and prosperity of its people. The day is not far when, due to our concerted efforts, Punjab will emerge as a front-runner state in the country,” he noted.
Reflecting on the significance of March 23, he added, “This day is not special merely because it is March 23; it is an ordinary day that becomes extraordinary because three brave sons of the nation sacrificed their youth and lives for the country. Their martyrdom infused new vigour into the freedom struggle, and within 15–16 years, the Indian flag was hoisted on the Red Fort due to their immense contribution,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister emphasised the selfless nature of the martyrs’ sacrifice and the value of democratic rights. “Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and his comrades did not sacrifice their lives for power or political gain. Their sacrifice was selfless. The right to vote we have today is because of them. When we look at our voter ID card, we may see our photograph, but if we look closely, we will feel the fragrance of these martyrs. Therefore, we must use our vote wisely,” he said.
He further cautioned people against devaluing this right. “Before independence, people celebrated festivals but had no right to vote as the British ruled us. These martyrs fought so that we could choose our leaders through a democratic process. This right is precious, and people must never sell their vote for money, influence or temptation,” added CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Underscoring the depth of the martyrs’ vision, he said, “This voter card is not cheap; it has been earned through great sacrifice. There are countless stories, books, letters, plays and films about Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. The more you read about them, the more you admire their deep thinking about the nation’s future, even at a young age. The British built grand structures thinking they would rule forever, but they failed to realise that young revolutionaries like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh were ready to sacrifice everything to drive them out,” he said.
Expressing concern over persisting challenges, the Chief Minister said, “Even after more than 75 years of independence, the dreams of these great freedom fighters are yet to be fully realised. The nation continues to face problems like poverty, unemployment and illiteracy. Since assuming office, our government has made continuous efforts to provide relief to people from these issues,” he added.
Calling for preservation of the martyrs’ legacy, he said, “It is the moral duty of every citizen to respect our martyrs and preserve their legacy. Nations that forget their martyrs lose their identity over time. Punjab has made immense sacrifices, from the freedom struggle to various movements protecting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution, he stated, “Despite being just two percent of the country’s population, 80% of the martyrs executed or exiled during the freedom struggle were from Punjab. At the time of independence, when the nation celebrated, Punjab suffered the horrors of Partition, where lakhs lost their lives, were displaced and lost their homes and properties,” he added.
Reaffirming his government’s vision, the Chief Minister concluded, “The AAP Government is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and building a harmonious and egalitarian society. This young hero sacrificed his life to free the country from foreign rule. We will leave no stone unturned to realise his vision, and we have already launched several pro-people and development-oriented schemes to provide relief and build the society envisioned by our martyrs,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.