Mohali: Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday felicitated 369 meritorious students who excelled in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains at Vikas Bhawan in Mohali, lauding their achievement as a reflection of Punjab’s evolving education system and the potential of its youth.
Sharing a video of the interaction on social media platform X, the Chief Minister extended congratulations to the students, their parents, and teachers, describing their success as a matter of pride and expressing confidence that they would achieve greater milestones and bring recognition to Punjab at the global level.
Addressing a gathering of students, teachers, and parents, Mann described the successful candidates as symbols of immense potential, emphasizing that the ongoing education reform movement initiated by the state government is delivering tangible outcomes. He stated that these achievements are not isolated incidents but part of a broader transformation aimed at strengthening government education, which he said had been neglected by previous administrations.
Highlighting past challenges, the Chief Minister noted that weak infrastructure, outdated systems, and limited opportunities had caused Punjab to lag in the education sector. He asserted that sustained and coordinated efforts by his government have reversed this trend, leading to visible improvements in school infrastructure and public perception of government institutions.
Mann underscored that the achievements of the students demonstrate that, when provided with the right environment, government school students can compete with the best in the country. He added that these students have emerged as role models, proving that academic excellence is not restricted to elite institutions.
Paying tribute to educators, the Chief Minister described teachers as the true builders of the nation, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping young minds. He highlighted reforms introduced to reduce administrative burdens on teachers, including the recruitment of campus managers to handle non-academic responsibilities, enabling educators to focus exclusively on teaching.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of community participation, noting that Parent-Teacher Meetings have been institutionalized in government schools to strengthen collaboration between parents and educators. He said this initiative has enhanced monitoring, guidance, and overall student development.
Addressing issues of inclusivity, Mann pointed out that many students come from economically weaker backgrounds, including families of labourers, yet government schools are now equipped with facilities comparable to private institutions. He described this as a significant step toward ensuring equity and enabling students to compete effectively with their privately educated counterparts.
He further criticized the existence of a dual education system in the country, stating that his government is committed to eliminating disparities and ensuring that quality education is accessible to every student as a fundamental right.
Reiterating the transformative power of education, Mann emphasized that no welfare scheme or subsidy can bring lasting change comparable to education. He urged students to aspire high, take risks, and step out of their comfort zones, citing global success stories that began with modest beginnings.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, the Chief Minister stated that teachers are being sent to countries such as Finland and Singapore for specialized training in modern teaching methodologies. He said these initiatives are a long-term investment aimed at making students globally competitive and transforming classrooms into interactive and engaging learning spaces.
Mann also appealed to parents not to impose career choices on their children, urging them to allow students to pursue their individual talents and aspirations. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing guidance and opportunities for diverse career paths.
The Chief Minister concluded by stating that Punjab is steadily progressing toward becoming a leader in education, with sustained investments in infrastructure, teacher training, and student-centric policies. He said the success of students in competitive examinations like JEE marks a significant milestone in the state’s educational journey and reflects the combined efforts of teachers, parents, and students.
Speaking at the event, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that when he assumed office, the education system was on the verge of collapse and students had lost hope. He credited the reforms led by the Chief Minister for bringing visible change and added that the government is now maintaining comprehensive records of students’ progress to ensure better tracking and support.
Students who overcame significant challenges shared their experiences during the event. Randeep Singh, son of an auto driver from Amritsar’s School of Eminence, said he became aware of the JEE examination only after enrolling in the institution, which opened new opportunities for him. Priya Bhardwaj from Hoshiarpur recounted overcoming financial hardship following her father’s death, crediting government support for enabling her education. Navjot Kaur from Patiala highlighted improved facilities in her school, while Manpreet Kaur from Dera Bassi said educational camps helped her overcome academic challenges.
Priya Kumari from SBS Nagar stated that her perception of government schools changed after joining a School of Eminence and urged the provision of scholarships for higher education. Prabhjot Singh from Mullanpur Garibdass emphasized the role of mock tests and academic support in helping him succeed despite financial constraints.
A teacher who underwent training in Finland described the experience as transformative, stating that exposure to international teaching practices has significantly improved classroom engagement and benefited both educators and students.
Senior officials, including Education Secretary Sonali Giri, were also present at the event.
The felicitation ceremony underscored the impact of sustained educational reforms in Punjab, marking a significant step toward building an inclusive, competitive, and future-ready academic ecosystem in the state.
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