SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB, Oct 7 — The Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has ushered in what he called a “revolutionary transformation” in the state’s education system — one that restores teachers’ dignity and empowers youth through quality learning and heritage awareness.
Addressing the state-level celebration of World Teachers’ Day in Sri Anandpur Sahib, the Chief Minister hailed teachers as “nation builders” and urged students to stay connected with Punjab’s glorious past. “Teaching is not just a profession but a sacred mission to illuminate students’ futures,” he said, recalling that as the son of a teacher, he deeply understands the patience and commitment the profession demands.
Marking the occasion, Mann announced the construction of a heritage corridor to Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib — the first such project in 55 years — symbolizing the effort to reconnect the youth with Punjab’s historical and religious identity. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the new generation takes pride in its roots while embracing the modern world,” he told the gathering.
The Chief Minister also commended teachers who went beyond their call of duty during the recent floods, which damaged 3,200 schools, 19 colleges, 8,500 km of roads, and 2,500 bridges. “Punjab’s teachers stood tall in adversity — their courage and responsibility make them true guides of society,” Mann said.
Recognizing excellence in education, the government honoured 71 outstanding teachers with State Teacher Awards. Mann explained that the word “Guru” comes from Sanskrit — “Gu” meaning darkness and “Ru” meaning remover — symbolizing how teachers dispel ignorance through knowledge.
Outlining reforms under the government’s Education Revolution, Mann said 234 principals and officers have been trained in Singapore, 152 headmasters at IIM Ahmedabad, and 144 primary teachers at Turku University in Finland. Another batch will head to Finland in November. To reduce teachers’ administrative burden, 1,920 campus managers have been appointed, allowing educators to focus entirely on teaching.
The state has also established 118 Schools of Eminence, with an investment of ₹231.74 crore so far, to provide world-class education to children from poor and middle-class families. “Private school students are now seeking admission in these institutions — a sign that our reforms are delivering results,” the Chief Minister said.
Students from these schools have achieved stellar results: 265 qualified for JEE Mains, 44 for JEE Advanced, and 848 for NEET, alongside success in CLAT and NIFT exams. The School Mentorship Programme, where civil officers guide students, and rejuvenated Parent-Teacher Meetings — attended by 2.5 million parents across 19,200 schools — have further strengthened community engagement in education.
The event was attended by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, MP Malvinder Singh Kang, and senior officials. Mann said that with dedicated teachers, hardworking students, and visionary policies, Punjab’s education system is “on its way to setting new national standards.”
“The Mann government’s vision,” he added, “is of a Prosperous Punjab through Education — a Punjab where every child becomes an educated, self-reliant citizen proud of their heritage and ready to lead the future.”
