Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday provided a red carpet welcome to President Droupadi Murmu, which he termed a historic day for Punjab. Mann said the day was like a golden one for Punjab, as the state had the honour of welcoming the president. He said the presence of President Murmu in the sacred land of Punjab, which has revered gurus, saints, and Sufi mystics for centuries, was a moment of immense joy for all Punjabis.
President Murmu’s visit included both a ceremony at the Indian School of Business and later the convocation at Central University of Punjab in Bathinda. She also has a convocation at Punjab University on Wednesday. Mann reiterated that the president’s visits to these prestigious learning places would motivate students to work hard and apply themselves to their endeavours.
Describing the life of President Murmu as inspirational, the Chief Minister referred to her personal and professional challenges and successes. Her accolades, he claimed, put her at the top of the pack of national leaders, reminiscent of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who compared her journey to “Abraham—honorable—in the world.” Mann stated that Punjab takes great pride in receiving the president, and commemorating such an occasion represents a significant milestone in history.
Mann also referred to the role of Punjab in making the country self-dependent in food production and also called it the ‘sword arm’ of the country, giving honour to the hard-working and brave people of the state. She described the rich culture of the state and the people who are known around the world as the best, bravest, and most entrepreneurial.