DW BUREAU / Ludhiana Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday claimed that previous government "mercilessly plundered" the state's resources and his regime is trying to undo the damage. "The Aam Aadmi Party government will overhaul the entire system in the state to ensure its progress and prosperity of people," said Mann addressing a gathering at a state-level function to mark Vishwakarma Day here. Earlier, governments had "mercilessly plundered" the wealth of the state, causing it an irreparable damage, he said. Now, with the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma, he is trying to repair the damage done to the state by ensuring its complete revamp, claimed Mann. Exhorting workers and craftsmen to make concerted efforts for strengthening the infrastructure of the state and the nation, the CM said it will be a real and befitting tribute to Lord Vishwakarma. The Chief Minister said that Lord Vishwakarma ji was the founder of the creativity, engineering, architecture and technology in the universe. The Chief Minister said that the industrial and infrastructure growth across the globe that we observe today was only due to the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma. Bhagwant Mann said that since ages Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect of the entire universe, is believed to be the master of all machinery and equipment being used by the people in all the industrial activities. Bhagwant Mann said that this great deity of all craftsmen and architects has inspired our artisans, workers and labour class to work hard for the development of the nation besides inculcating a feeling of dignity of labour and a sense of pride in them. Mann said that in line with the ideology and teachings of Lord Vishwakarma, the Punjab government is laying thrust on imparting skill training to the youth across the state so they could live a life with dignity and self respect. He further said that the promotion of skill training across the state is the need of the hour. The Chief Minister said that his government strives to make the youth of Punjab to job providers instead of job seekers. He asserted that Punjabis are blessed with the qualities of entrepreneurship and leadership. Bhagwant Mann said that due to these qualities the Punjabis have carved a niche for themselves across the globe. The Chief Minister lamented that divisive forces are trying to create a wedge between people on lines of caste, religion, language and others in the country. He said that this is not in the interest of our nation for which the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood and fraternity must be strengthened. Bhagwant Mann also bemoaned the irreparable damage being caused to federal structure of the country by those at helms of affairs at the centre by usurping the rights of the states. The Chief Minister said that this is against the basic spirit of democracy and cannot be tolerated at any cost. Citing the example of Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhawan, Bhagwant Mann said that it has a variety of flowers which soothes the eyes of everyone due to which people throng to see it adding that the democracy with diverse ideas and views is always a successful one. In the same manner, Bhagwant Mann said that in democracy opposition and treasury benches are also important adding that in a democratic set up the views of everyone should be taken into consideration. The Chief Minister said that as Lord Vishwakarma has created the entire universe by joining brick by brick so now the time has come when we must build our nation by strengthening the basic social fabric of the country. He said that for this all of us have to join hands and ensure that the country is put on a path of progress and prosperity. Bhagwant Mann solicited the support of people for this noble cause and in the larger interests of the country. Striking an emotional chord with the city of Ludhiana, the Chief Minister described it as his Karam bhoomi whereas Satauj village was his janambhoomi. Bhagwant Mann said that he has been fortunate enough to have got the opportunity to serve Punjab and its people. He said that the state government is already making strenuous efforts to restore the pristine glory of the state adding that this can be ensured only with proactive support of people. (editor@dailyworld.in)