On the occasion of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond paid floral tributes at Dr. Ambedkar’s statue located at the District Administrative Complex in Fatehgarh Sahib. He also served as the Chief Guest at a seminar jointly organized by the District Administration and Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib.
Joining him were Advocate Lakhbir Singh Rai, MLA from Fatehgarh Sahib, and Rupinder Singh Happy, MLA from Bassi Pathana.
In his address, Minister Sond emphasized that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to realizing Dr. Ambedkar’s vision. He highlighted that for the first time, six Scheduled Caste ministers are part of the state cabinet. Moreover, reservation has been introduced in the Advocate General’s office, and the SC Post Matric Scholarship Scheme is now being implemented with greater transparency and efficiency, ensuring that the benefits reach deserving students.
Describing Dr. Ambedkar as a trailblazer and the chief architect of modern India, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet stressed that the Constitution, crafted under his leadership, is a foundational pillar of India’s democracy and a robust protector of citizens’ rights. He underscored that Dr. Ambedkar’s core focus was on education and social justice, and staying true to his values is essential for building a just and empowered society.
Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet further shared that the government has made it mandatory to display portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dr. Ambedkar in all state offices, to serve as an inspiration for the younger generation. He reaffirmed that education remains a driving force for change, and Dr. Ambedkar’s life is a testament to the power of knowledge in uplifting communities.
Pointing to the government’s achievements, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet mentioned that over 15,000 students have shifted from private to government schools due to improved facilities and academic standards. He also noted the widespread reach of the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme and the timely assistance being extended to beneficiaries of the Ashirwad Scheme.
MLAs Lakhbir Singh Rai and Rupinder Singh Happy also spoke at the seminar, applauding Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring legacy of equality, education, and empowerment. They reiterated the government’s resolve to continue implementing reforms aligned with his ideology.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind welcomed the guests, while Vice Chancellor Dr. Pritpal Singh delivered the vote of thanks. Students who had benefitted from the SC Post Matric Scholarship shared their personal stories, and sanction letters were distributed to Ashirwad Scheme recipients.
The seminar concluded with the Cabinet Minister being honored by the District Administration and the University. A special booklet prepared by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment was also released during the event.
Distinguished attendees included District Planning Committee Chairman Ajay Singh Libra, SSP Shubham Aggarwal, ADC (Development) Surinder Singh Dhaliwal, SDMs Harveer Kaur, Chetan Bangar, and Arvind Kumar; Market Committee Sarhind Chairman Gurvinder Singh Dhillon; Labour Welfare Board Director Raj Puri; Punjab Mandi Board Member Inderjeet Singh; and several other dignitaries including Kanwarveer Singh Rai, Chaman Qureshi, Pritpal Jassi, Satish Latour, Navi Sirhind, Baljinder Gola, Ashish Attri, Ashish Sood, and Deepak Batish, alongside university faculty and students.