Ferozepur, Aug 15 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said the 80th year of India’s Independence would be the year of economic freedom for Punjab’s women, as for the first time mothers and daughters are gaining the freedom to spend their own money according to their wishes.

He said over 65 lakh women are already receiving Samman Rashi out of the 74.59 lakh women registered under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna.

After unfurling the national Tricolour at the state‑level function here to mark the 80th Independence Day, CM Mann said that, walking in the footsteps of the great national heroes, his government is making efforts to fulfil their aspirations, ensure the welfare of all and build a prosperous and ‘Rangla Punjab’ by fulfilling every promise made to the people.

He said this spirit of empowerment is being extended across Punjab through transformative education and healthcare, employment for the youth, canal water reaching fields, a decisive fight against drugs and stronger public safety, while preserving the peace, brotherhood and communal harmony that define Punjab.

He extended heartfelt greetings to all people of the country, especially the people of Punjab.

“I pay my respects and homage to Ferozepur, the sacred land of martyrs, whose name is inscribed in golden letters in the history of India’s freedom struggle. I also remember the 21 brave Sikh soldiers of the Battle of Saragarhi, in whose memory the historic Gurdwara Saragarhi Sahib stands here.”

Paying tribute to the bravehearts of Hussainiwala, the Chief Minister said the sacred land reminds us of the extraordinary lives and sacrifices of Shaheed‑e‑Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev.

“The last rites of great revolutionary Batukeshwar Dutt and Mata Vidyavati, the mother of Bhagat Singh, were also performed here. A heritage complex dedicated to the memory of the martyrs is being constructed at Hussainiwala for Rs 25 crore. I salute the brave people of this border district who continue to stand firm against the designs of enemies across the border, natural calamities and other challenges.”

Remembering the contribution of the state’s border population, he said their services to the nation and Punjab will always be remembered.

“The country had to wage a long and arduous struggle to attain freedom, and Punjab also paid the heaviest price for the Partition of the country in 1947.”

Recalling the human cost of Partition, CM Mann said millions of families were forced to leave their homes and hearths.

“Even today, every Punjabi prays for open access to visit our sacred gurdwaras and shrines that were left across the border. Such a massive migration has rarely been witnessed in human history. In words, it may have been the Partition of a country, but in reality, it was the partition of families, relationships and shared emotions,” he said.

He added that generations to come will continue to feel the pain of this tragedy, and yet we take immense pride in the fact that the spirit of patriotism runs deep in the hearts of Punjabis.

Issuing a stern warning to forces attempting to disturb the state’s peace and brotherhood, CM Mann said, “On this historic occasion, I issue a stern warning to those forces waiting to disrupt Punjab’s peace, harmony and communal brotherhood. The sacred land of Punjab has always given the message of togetherness and harmony, and we are people who pray for the welfare of all, Sarbat Da Bhala. Only flowers of love can bloom and germinate here, not flowers of hatred.”

–IANS

vg/dan