Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann released the three-volume ‘Punjab Da Itihaas’ at Punjab Kala Bhawan in Chandigarh on Sunday, framing the 1,980-page publication as an essential record of the state’s journey through centuries of historical transformations and contributions. The work details Punjab’s social and cultural heritage along with the achievements of its people across different eras, according to accounts from the launch event. Mann described documenting such a land as a major responsibility that would help connect younger generations to their origins while the state continues to advance.
The chief minister highlighted how Punjab has served as a cradle of civilisation and culture since time immemorial, where residents have displayed remarkable resilience and bravery through numerous chapters of history. He pointed to the legacy of sacrifice and valour inherited from the Sikh Gurus, who emphasised resistance to tyranny, oppression and injustice as a defining element of Punjabi character. This inheritance continues to shape the region’s identity, Mann stated.
Mann said Punjab has always been a repository of art, culture and literature, a characterisation that underpins the newly launched book. He added that societies preserving their culture maintain their distinct identity, whereas those neglecting their past risk losing connection with their foundations. The state government is undertaking concerted efforts to safeguard this rich legacy, the chief minister noted.
During his address, Mann recalled Punjab’s outsized role in India’s freedom struggle, where Punjabis accounted for more than 80 per cent of the sacrifices despite forming around 2 per cent of the national population. Major independence movements were led by Punjabis, he said, positioning these contributions as a source of pride that the book seeks to document for posterity. The publication extends beyond struggles to cover achievements in culture, hard work and support for national development.
The book release aligns with the Punjab government’s sustained focus on heritage promotion, including earlier events such as literature and arts festivals that similarly stressed the need to root youth in cultural traditions. According to a Punjab Newsline report, such initiatives aim to spread awareness through educational programmes, seminars and public events across the state. Officials indicated the volumes would support these goals by providing an accessible historical reference.
Mann urged that preserving this heritage represents a shared duty among citizens, particularly as Punjab writes a new chapter of progress while honouring its past. The chief minister said the book’s comprehensive scope would ensure future generations understand the full breadth of the state’s civilisational impact. Details shared at the Chandigarh event suggest the publication will inform upcoming academic and cultural activities throughout Punjab.
