Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed students at a regional youth festival in Dhuri. He linked education, culture and merit-based opportunities to Punjab's future.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (Photo: PTI)
Dhuri,Oct 25, 2026 21:52 IST
Punjab is being developed as a leading education destination, with adequate funds being provided to upgrade government schools and create new career opportunities for young people, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Sunday, according to news agency Press Trust of India.
Mann also said his government had provided more than 70,000 government jobs solely on merit. He urged young people to focus on education and hard work, adding that Punjab needed elected representatives who understood people's pain and problems.
The chief minister was addressing students at a regional youth festival at Desh Bhagat College in Bararwal village in Dhuri, Sangrur district.
“The energy, talent and creativity of young people were among Punjab's greatest assets, and the state's future depended on nurturing these qualities and providing youth with meaningful opportunities to excel in every sphere of life,” Mann said, as reported by PTI.
He said education must go beyond classrooms, textbooks and examination results. True education, he added, involved developing confident individuals with independent thinking, a strong sense of responsibility, respect for their cultural roots and the courage to pursue their dreams.
Highlighting the importance of youth festivals, Mann said such events helped students discover their hidden talents, overcome hesitation, build self-confidence and learn about discipline, teamwork and healthy competition. “These platforms also allowed students to learn from one another, broaden their horizons and prepare themselves to meet the challenges of the future,” he said.
Emphasising the role of cultural activities in shaping well-rounded personalities, Mann said every student had unique abilities and potential. While circumstances and opportunities could differ, determination, dedication and hard work could help young people overcome obstacles and achieve success, he added.
“Educational institutions have a responsibility to identify this potential, provide the right environment and ensure that no talent remains undiscovered for want of encouragement,” Mann said.
He said music, dance, theatre, literature and folk arts played an important role in developing emotional intelligence, creative thinking, mutual respect and cooperation, which were essential for building a progressive society.
“Punjab's cultural heritage is a source of pride and identity for our people. Youth festivals and folk festivals serve as vital links between generations, ensuring that the state's traditional art forms, folk music, dances and indigenous games continue to flourish,” he said.
Mann said a “Rangla Punjab” could be built only by empowering young people with knowledge, confidence, creativity and a strong sense of purpose. He reiterated that education, cultural participation and merit-based opportunities were central to preparing Punjab's youth for the future.
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