Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described Punjab as a longstanding repository of art, culture and literature while releasing the extensive historical publication on Sunday. The event at Punjab Kala Bhawan in Chandigarh drew attention to the state’s deep civilizational roots, according to coverage in Daily Excelsior. Mann noted that the land has served as the cradle of civilization since time immemorial, with its people witnessing and shaping countless historical chapters through resilience and creativity.
The 1,980-page work titled ‘Punjab Da Itihaas’ spans three volumes that chronicle the state’s social and cultural heritage along with its contributions across different eras, multiple news outlets including Punjab Newsline reported. Mann emphasized during the launch that documenting such a history, marked by triumphs, upheavals and transformations, represents a significant responsibility for society as a whole. He added that the publication would help ensure this legacy remains accessible and instructive for coming generations.
Mann stated that only those nations survive which preserve their culture, while those that ignore their glorious past gradually lose their identity. This is why the state government is making concerted efforts to preserve Punjab’s rich cultural legacy and ensure that the younger generations remain connected with their roots, he said. The chief minister framed the initiative as part of a broader governmental push to maintain connections to the state’s foundational values.
The chief minister pointed to Punjab’s outsized role in India’s independence movement, according to accounts from India Today and Yes Punjab. More than 80 per cent of the sacrifices in India’s freedom struggle were made by Punjabis, despite the fact that they constituted merely around 2 per cent of the country’s population, Mann said. He observed that the major movements associated with the freedom struggle were spearheaded by brave Punjabis, underscoring the community’s historical impact.
Mann recalled the influence of the Sikh Gurus in shaping Punjab’s character during his address at the book release. He said Punjabis have inherited a glorious legacy of sacrifice and valour from the great Sikh Guru Sahiban, who taught resistance to tyranny, oppression and injustice. This spirit has remained an integral part of the Punjabi character and forms a core element of the documented heritage, according to the chief minister’s remarks.
The publication extends beyond accounts of struggle to encompass Punjab’s achievements in agriculture, entrepreneurship and cultural richness, as detailed in the chief minister’s comments covered across regional outlets. Mann described the state’s dual identity as both the country’s food bowl and a source of industrialists who have shaped modern economies. He concluded that preserving this multifaceted history stands as a collective duty, particularly for a region that has endured repeated challenges while continuing to contribute substantially to the nation.
