DW BUREAU / Mohali

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said his government is following the footsteps of the great gurus, saints, seers, prophets and martyrs for the welfare of people and the development of the state.

Addressing the gathering Jain Bhagwati Diksha Mahotsav here today, in the presence of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chief Minister said that as the head of state he is duty bound to safeguard the interests of all the residents.

He said that Punjab is the blessed and sacred land where people from all the religions, languages and sections of society reside peacefully and harmoniously. Bhagwant Singh Mann said he has been given a whopping mandate by people to serve this land and no stone is being left unturned by him for this noble cause.

The Chief Minister said that the variety of flowers soothes the eyes of everyone so the people throng to see them. In the same manner, he said that harmonious and peaceful co-existence of every religion in every society is important for the progress of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is committed to this noble cause and every step is being taken to strengthen the ethos of communal harmony in the state.

He said that religion teaches us the principles of simple living, high thinking and non-violence to attain salvation through the path of spirituality. He said that the eternal message of every religion is universal brotherhood, communal harmony and peace that is still relevant in the context of today's materialistic society. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon the people to follow the path shown by great religious leaders to further strengthen the ethos of secular, social and communal harmony in the society.

The Chief Minister said that such occasions related to our great Gurus, Saints and Seers has a profound importance for us as it offers an opportunity to acquaint ourselves and our younger generation with our religious and social values that binds the entire humanity in one cord thereby strengthening the bonds of communal harmony.

He also called upon the people to follow the path shown by these spiritual and religious leaders adding that the AAP government is fully committed to maintain peace, communal harmony and Brotherhood in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is fully dedicated for the welfare of the society and progress of the state.

Recalling his old association with the community, the Chief Minister said that he had always enjoyed the blessings of the saints of Jain community. He also announced fulsome support and cooperation to the community for setting up a state of the art hospital in the region. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that it will go a long way in imparting quality health services to the people of the entire northern region.

(editor@dailyworld.in)