DW Bureau | Ludhiana, Sept 28, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday attended the state-level Jashan-e-Inquilab programme at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana to mark the birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Addressing the gathering, Mann said the state government was working to preserve the legacy of Bhagat Singh and other freedom fighters. He highlighted initiatives including naming the Mohali airport after Bhagat Singh, installing a 30-feet-high bronze statue at Nishan-e-Inquilab Plaza in Mohali and developing the Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Heritage Complex at Khatkar Kalan.

The Chief Minister said the Rs 52-crore heritage complex is being developed as a heritage, learning and cultural tourism destination. The project includes the ancestral house and replica house, a courtroom experience, heritage street, recreated village setting, library, exhibition areas and displays depicting Bhagat Singh’s life and the freedom movement.

According to Mann, the complex will also have an auditorium, audio-visual and interpretation systems, a Tourist Facilitation Centre, cottages, guest house, restaurant/cafeteria, parking and landscaped areas. Work on civil and interior finishes, exhibits, lighting, landscaping and other visitor facilities is currently being completed, he said.

Mann said the project is intended to promote heritage education and tourism and provide a venue for commemorative and academic activities. He said the complex would be opened to the public soon.

The Chief Minister also spoke about various initiatives of the state government, including free electricity for around 90 per cent of households, the opening of around 1,100 Aam Aadmi Clinics and the recruitment of more than 70,000 youth in government jobs. He also said 18 toll plazas had been closed, resulting in savings of around Rs 63 lakh a day for commuters.

On agriculture, Mann said the area under canal irrigation had increased from 26 per cent to 80 per cent since his government took charge. He also highlighted the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, which provides cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family, and the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana, under which eligible women receive financial assistance.

The Chief Minister said the government was also undertaking road and education-related projects and constructing sports stadiums as part of efforts to provide young people with alternatives to drugs.

The programme also featured cultural performances and a play based on the lives of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. Punjabi singers Ranjit Bawa and Kulwinder Billa performed during the event, while traditional dhadi jatha performances were also held.

The play Gagan Damama Bajio portrayed the revolutionary journey and sacrifices of Bhagat Singh and his comrades. The cultural programme was attended by youngsters, families and others who gathered to mark the martyr's birth anniversary.