Ferozepur: Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his govt is transforming Punjab’s youth from job seekers into job creators by placing education, technical learning, skill development and sports at the centre of its development agenda.Addressing the maiden convocation ceremony of Shaheed Bhagat Singh University, he said that with 26% of the state budget allocated to education, govt schools having been transformed in just four years, and border areas emerging as centres of higher learning, Punjab was opening new avenues for its youth to excel. He asserted that young people must look beyond conventional careers and become entrepreneurs, professionals and sportspersons. The govt, he added, would also organise recruitment preparation camps for those aspiring to join the armed forces.Speaking at the convocation in the presence of Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Mann congratulated the graduating students and called upon them to remain connected with their roots while contributing to society.The CM said Shaheed Bhagat Singh University, established in 2021 on a 98-acre campus, currently has more than 2,600 students, with enrolment expected to double by next year. “Strengthening educational infrastructure in border areas has remained a priority of our govt, which has taken several steps to ensure that young people in these regions have access to quality higher education,” he said.He said, “Earlier, students in border areas had limited access to institutions of higher learning. Today, Shaheed Bhagat Singh University has emerged as a major centre of education for the youth of this border belt. Education, technical learning and skill development are essential for empowering our young generation, and this university is playing an important role in that direction.”Mann said it was a matter of immense pride that the university was preparing students not merely to seek employment but also to become job creators. He expressed confidence that its graduates would establish businesses, generate employment opportunities and contribute to the development of schools, colleges and villages.“It is heartening to see that this institution has produced IAS and IPS officers as well as accomplished individuals in several other fields. Our objective must be to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to create opportunities for themselves and others,” he said.He also highlighted the allocation of Rs 1,794 crore for sports, describing it as an unprecedented commitment towards strengthening sporting infrastructure and expanding opportunities for young people.“Success is not restricted to becoming a doctor or an engineer. Sports and several other fields offer tremendous opportunities. Our young people must explore their interests and recognise that there are many avenues through which they can excel and serve society,” he said.Urging parents to support their children’s aspirations, Mann said every child possessed different strengths and talents and should be allowed to pursue their dreams.“Parents must let their children fly and give wings to their dreams. Society needs professionals from different fields, and every child has the potential to achieve something meaningful. An aircraft can only move forward with assistance until it reaches the runway, but once it takes off, its destination depends on the strength of its engine. Similarly, our children need the support of parents, teachers and mentors to take off, after which their own determination and capabilities will determine how high they soar,” he said.The Chief Minister called upon graduating students to remain connected with their roots and contribute to Punjab’s progress instead of looking only towards opportunities abroad.“Punjab is the blessed land of Gurus and saints, and its people have always made immense contributions to the nation. I am confident that our educated youth will serve society, contribute to the development of their homeland and bring glory to Punjab wherever they go,” he said.During the ceremony, degrees were conferred on three PhD scholars and around 550 postgraduate and undergraduate students, while 90 meritorious graduates were awarded medals for academic excellence.
