80th Year of Independence to Be Year of Economic Freedom for Punjab’s Women: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Ferozepur, August 15, 2026: After unfurling the national Tricolour at the state-level function marking the 80th Independence Day at Cantt Board Stadium, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the 80th year of Independence will 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, with more than 65 lakh women already receiving Samman Rashi out of the 74.59 lakh women registered under the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that walking in the footsteps of the great national heroes, his government is making tireless 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 that this spirit of empowerment is being extended across Punjab through transformative education and healthcare, employment for the youth, canal water reaching the fields, a decisive fight against drugs and stronger public safety, while preserving the peace, brotherhood and communal harmony that define Punjab.
Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national Tricolour, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The country is celebrating its 80th Independence Day and on this solemn occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the 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 noted, “Hussainiwala, on the banks of the Sutlej, is a glorious legacy of our national martyrs and this 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 Ji, the mother of Sardar Bhagat Singh, were also performed here. A Heritage Complex dedicated to the memory of the martyrs is being constructed at Hussainiwala at a cost of ₹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 Punjab’s border population, he said, “The services rendered by the people living along the border to the nation and Punjab will always be remembered. Today, when the entire country is celebrating Independence Day, I also remember the immense contribution of patriots and warriors. 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 Bhagwant Singh 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. 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.”
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to the freedom struggle, the Chief Minister pointed out, “Punjabis inherited the courage to stand against oppression and tyranny from Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Punjabi warriors have always been at the forefront among those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. From the Kuka Movement, Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement, Ghadar Movement and Babbar Akali Movement to numerous other movements, Punjabis made an unparalleled contribution. The sacrifices of Punjabis during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre united the nation against British rule. In the freedom struggle, thousands of Punjabis, including Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Lala Lajpat Rai, Diwan Singh Kalepani, Baba Ram Singh and Madan Lal Dhingra, made supreme sacrifices.”
He said, “More than 80% of those who embraced the gallows, endured life imprisonment or suffered the harsh punishment of exile in Kala Pani were Punjabis. Punjab’s soldiers also created remarkable records of bravery in the wars imposed upon India by neighbouring countries. I bow my head before these supreme sacrifices. There is perhaps no parallel in world history to the enormous sacrifices made by such a small region for the nation.”
Issuing a stern warning to forces attempting to disturb Punjab’s peace and brotherhood, CM Bhagwant Singh 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.”
The Chief Minister affirmed, “There was no place for hatred in Punjab, there is none today, and there will never be any. Punjabis will not allow forces inimical to Punjab to raise their heads. The people of the state gave me the opportunity to serve Punjab and I took the oath of office as Chief Minister at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Photographs of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and Babasaheb Ambedkar were installed in government offices.”
Appealing to Punjabis to dedicate themselves to the ideals of the martyrs, he said, “On this historic day, all of us should take a solemn pledge to fulfil the dreams of our martyrs. Let us resolve to transform our Punjab once again into a ‘Rangla Punjab’, a vibrant, prosperous and flourishing Punjab.”
Earlier, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann took the salute during an impressive march past by contingents of Punjab Police, both men and women, BSF, PAP, Himachal Police, Punjab Home Guards, NCC, Scouts and Guides and the Punjab Police Band. The parade was led by Parade Commander Dhirendra Verma, IPS, and Assistant Parade Commander Preet Kamal Singh, PPS.
A colourful variety programme comprising a PT Show, performances by school students, Giddha, Bhangra and other traditional folk dances performed by school and college students enthralled the audience.
Tableaus showcasing achievements under Yudh Nashean Virudh, Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the Agriculture sector, Forest and other sectors also graced the event.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.