DW BUREAU / Ludhiana Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday called upon people to join hands and wage a war against social maladies like unemployment, corruption, communalism and social discrimination to realise the dreams of our freedom fighters and make a 'Rangla Punjab ' Addressing a gathering at the state level function to mark Independence Day at Guru Nanak Stadium here today, the Chief Minister said that these maladies are hampering the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. Unfurling the Tricolour on the occasion, he said that the time has come to weed out these maladies, adding that this mission cannot be accomplished without the active support of the people. The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and honour for every Indian that our country has completed 75 years as an Independent and democratic Republic today. Congratulating all the countrymen especially Punjabis in India and across the world on this historic occasion, Bhagwant Mann said that India's road to independence was long and hard, but equally difficult is the path to maintain this freedom. The Chief Minister also said that as a colony of British Empire our country had suffered a lot and the brave and determined heroes of our freedom struggle made enormous sacrifices to remove the shackles of foreign imperialism. He said that is on record that more than 80% of the great patriots who laid down their lives or were subjected to British tyranny in one form or other were Punjabis. Bhagwant Mann said that a string of gems like Baba Ram Singh, Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Diwan Singh Kalepani and many others, shed their blood to achieve an independent nation for us. The Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate if some people are posing questions over the contribution of great martyrs. He reminded the people that these great national heroes and martyrs relentlessly fought to free the country from the shackles of the British regime. He said questioning the credentials of martyrs is an unpardonable crime. The Chief Minister asserted that even today Punjabis are at forefront to safeguard the borders of the country. He said that Punjabis led the nation from the front whenever India faced any challenge from internal or external aggression. It is a known fact that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state have played a crucial role in making the country self-reliant in food production, Bhagwant Mann added. The Chief Minister lamented that even 75 years after Independence the dreams of our freedom fighters and great national heroes like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar remain unfulfilled. He said that people had high hopes from the many governments that assumed power in the state through the decades after independence, but most served to dash these hopes because corruption, poverty, unemployment and many other ills are still deeply embedded in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that Aam Aadmi government which assumed the charge of office early this year has come like a breath of fresh air into Punjab as it is not only committed to fulfil the aspirations of people of the state, but has pledged to fulfil the dreams of our freedom fighters. Exhorting all Punjabis to play an active role to once again make Punjab prosperous and a front runner state of the country, the Chief Minister said that the sapling planted by people of state in form of bringing government of Aam Aadmi in assembly elections held early this year, has started bearing fruits now. He said that from now onwards Punjab will daily script a new success story of development and progress. Bhagwant Mann said that new vistas of employment will be generated and the state will soon become a 'Rangla Punjab'. The Chief Minister asserted that with the active support and cooperation of our people the state government is working hard to realise the dream of freedom fighters. He expressed hope that Punjab will scale new heights of development and prosperity in the state. On this momentous occasion, Bhagwant Mann urged the people to rededicate themselves to cement the bonds of love, peace and communal harmony enshrined by our great Gurus and saints, and to fulfil the vision of our freedom fighters and national heroes. (editor@dailyworld.in)