Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann released the 1,980-page volume ‘Punjab Da Itihaas’ at Punjab Kala Bhawan in Chandigarh on Sunday, using the occasion to describe the state as a longstanding repository of art, culture and literature. He portrayed Punjab as the cradle of civilisation since time immemorial, adding that the task of documenting a land marked by centuries of triumphs, upheavals and transformations carries major responsibility. Mann characterised the region’s narrative as one defined by resilience, sacrifice and lasting national contributions.
The chief minister took the opportunity to congratulate MLA Pargat Singh on his appointment as Punjab Congress president during the same gathering. This political acknowledgment came alongside the cultural emphasis of the book launch, which drew participants interested in the state’s heritage. Such occasions frequently blend governance themes with efforts to promote historical awareness across Punjab.
Mann highlighted Punjab’s outsized role in India’s freedom struggle, stating that Punjabis accounted for more than 80 percent of the sacrifices despite representing only around 2 percent of the national population. He noted that several of the major movements associated with the independence effort were led by brave individuals from the state. The remarks reinforced a recurring theme in the chief minister’s addresses on regional identity and contribution.
Turning to agriculture, Mann observed that Punjab is poised to deliver a record 180 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to the central food pool this year even though rice is not a traditional staple for its people. He credited the state’s farmers with a pivotal part in building national self-reliance in food production, a position maintained since the Green Revolution decades ago. The statement aligns with the administration’s focus on both cultural and economic pillars of Punjabi society.
The chief minister asserted that only those nations preserving their culture ultimately survive while those neglecting their glorious past risk losing their identity over time. He said the state government is therefore pursuing concerted measures to protect Punjab’s rich cultural legacy and keep younger generations linked to their roots. Mann framed these steps as essential to sustaining the distinct character that has defined the region for generations.
The book launch continues a pattern of initiatives aimed at documenting and celebrating Punjab’s multifaceted history, from ancient civilisational roots to its modern achievements. By producing this comprehensive account, authorities have created a resource that spans geography, historical periods and cultural developments for public and scholarly use. Mann’s participation in the event underscores the priority placed on heritage alongside day-to-day governance.
