Union Govt should not forget contribution of farmers: Sodhi

Cabinet minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi while reiterating the state government’s stand in favour of repealing the three agri laws said the Centre should not forget the contribution of farmers of Punjab in the Green and White Revolutions.

Sodhi unfurled the Tricolour on the 72nd Republic Day, which was celebrated with gaiety and patriotic fervour at Guru Nanak stadium.

He also led the gathering to observe a two-minute silence in memory of those who died during the two-month-long farmers’ protest.

He recalled that there was a time when the government used to go out begging grains to feed its citizens. At that point of time, farmers of Punjab, who roughly form two per cent of the entire country’s population, took a lead and filled the national granary.

Most of the soldiers joining the defence forces and defending frontiers of the country come from this social milieu, yet the BJP-led Central Government was reluctant to listen to the demands of farmers.

Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira and Commissioner of Police Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill along with MLAs were also present.

The chief guest honoured families of freedom fighters along with achievers from different fields. He also distributed tricycles and sewing machines to needy persons. Parade Commander Dr Manpreet was given a memento.

Prof Nagarajan Ramamoorthy, Director, Indian Institute of Management, Amritsar, unfurled the Tricolour on the campus and laid stress on the need to be more responsible in conduct. Prof Mukesh Kumar, chairperson, Public Relations, enunciated how the Constitution had served as a tool fulfilling the aspirations of millions of citizens of this country and had been instrumental in ensuring freedom.

Prof Harpreet Kaur, the chairperson, Alumni Relations, addressed the students and urged them to reflect on the purpose of this celebration as the nation celebrated its democracy.