KAPURTHALA — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that the state government remains focused on upgrading the education system and creating broad opportunities to help young people stand on their own feet.
Speaking at the 14th convocation of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University in Kapurthala on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mann affirmed that the primary aim is to empower the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers. He noted that over 70,000 government positions have been allocated purely on merit, while public school infrastructure continues to undergo significant improvements. The Chief Minister declared that past neglect regarding education and employment had previously prompted young individuals to seek opportunities abroad, a trend the current administration is actively working to address.
“Today, I had the privilege of distributing degrees to students at the 14th Convocation of I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala,” stated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. “A degree is not just a piece of paper; it is a certificate that brings young people closer to turning their dreams into reality. Our goal is to make Punjab’s youth not job seekers, but job providers. Education and sports are the keys to Punjab’s bright future. Heartiest congratulations to all the graduating students.”
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister urged the graduates to apply their knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial drive toward regional progress. Quoting former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and legendary poet Avtar Pash, he encouraged students to hold fast to their aspirations despite life’s challenges.
Addressing concerns regarding public safety and illicit substances, Chief Minister Mann called for cooperative solutions to national challenges. He asserted that criticisms directed at the state over the drug issue must be viewed alongside broader national supply routes, pointing to the movement of contraband through ports in Gujarat and other parts of the country. He maintained that constructive efforts across all regions are essential rather than selective criticism.
The Chief Minister asserted that four years of dedicated efforts have elevated Punjab to top rankings in national educational evaluations. He cited the expansion of smart classrooms, modern science laboratories, and foreign training programs for teachers in Singapore and Finland as key drivers behind these achievements.
Chief Minister Mann also honored six national hockey team members—Harmanpreet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, Jugraj Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh—for their contributions to Indian sports. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Vice Chancellor Dr. Arvind Kumar Bansal were also present to congratulate the graduating class.
