Latest news with #Punjabis'
News18
17-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Sentimentalism Is Poor Substitute For Good Governance
Last Updated: Punjab govt will be better advised to—instead of spending time and energy on constitutional, legal minutiae—focus on fiscal prudence, economic policy framework, good governanc What does our political class do when they fail on all fronts? Well, it takes recourse to religion, hoping that it could be a useful opiate to numb the cognitive and cogitative faculties of people, thus diverting their attention from the real issues. So, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, having failed to improve the situation in the state, is trying to bring a piece of legislation to provide for stricter punishments against sacrilege, including the death penalty. 'We will be convening a special session of Vidhan Sabha on July 10 and 11 to bring a historic legislation for stricter punishment against those found guilty of sacrilege. The Centre should have done it. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is bringing it in Punjab as it understands the emotions of the people of the state," AAP spokesperson Neel Garg recently said. The spokesperson, indeed the state government, needs to understand that there are more important things for people than emotions—things like jobs, decent and healthy life, good human and physical environment. On every count, the AAP government in Punjab has failed. According to the latest report from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for October-December 2024, there was a steep rise in youth unemployment in urban Punjab. The rate in the 15-29 age group soared from 12.2 per cent in the July-September 2024 period to 14.9 per cent in October-December 2024. Female unemployment rates were higher than male. It is hardly surprising that the lack of opportunities at home fuels the young Punjabis' impulse to seek greener pastures in other countries. Many of them go to countries like the US and Canada by illegal means. When the US deported many Indians in a humiliating condition, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged the youth to learn lessons from the recent mass deportation of illegal migrants. He beseeched them to work hard in their native state to make it a frontrunner in the country. That, however, will be predicated upon objective conditions in the state: that is, fiscal policies and a sound policy framework, which are the sine qua non of growth and development. But the state is spending 86 per cent of its new borrowing to repay old loans. But legacy debt is not the only burden the AAM regime is condemned to bear; it is doing its own bit—more than a bit actually—to augment the burden. It continued its tryst with freebies. Unsurprisingly, the economy continues to underperform, growing at a pace lower than the national average. Punjab's agriculture, once booming which made the state the breadbasket of the nation, is worse than languishing. Subsidy-oriented and MSP-based farm policies, both of the Centre and the state, have introduced distortions in the farm sectors and made it adopt anti-environment practices like stubble burning and drawing excessive groundwater. There is scarcely any spark in the industrial sector; the state rarely appears on the manufacturing map of India. And then there are drugs. Early this month, the Punjab and Haryana High Court highlighted the dangerous ramifications of the use of cocaine, heroin, etc. Justice Sumeet Goel warned that the crisis is no longer confined to personal addiction but has begun to threaten public order, national security, and the rule of law itself. 'It is the considered view of this Court that cases pertaining to the drug menace, especially those involving manufactured drugs, must be dealt with the utmost strictness and resolve," the High Court declared. This, four months after the Punjab government set a three-month deadline to declare the state free from drugs! Chief Minister Singh Mann called the time of that decision 'a historic moment as the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and is launching a crusade against this menace." Only if government decisions and announcements could transform the world into a paradise! Since the AAP government in Punjab has failed to save the state and its people from various menaces, it has now decided to shield religion and gods. Sacrilege has long been an emotionally-charged issue in Punjab. There was an incident of sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib at Bargari in 2015. This badly hurt the electoral prospects of the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP government; specifically, it hurt the Akali Dal; the party is yet to fully recover from it. Since then, successive governments have made repeated efforts to introduce laws mandating harsher penalties for sacrilege. CM Mann has emphasised that while the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) includes specific provisions related to religious places, it does not explicitly address Sikh scriptures. He believes that since this issue falls under the Concurrent List, the state has the jurisdiction to frame its own legislation on the matter. Mann and his government will be better advised to—instead of spending time and energy on constitutional and legal minutiae—focus on fiscal prudence, a sound economic policy framework, and good governance. The author is a freelance journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 09, 2025, 19:30 IST News opinion Opinion | Sentimentalism Is Poor Substitute For Good Governance Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. 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Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
CM calls for unity with Haryana, pushes for water re-assessment
Chandigarh: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday emphasised the need for closer ties between Punjab and Haryana, calling the neighbouring state as a 'younger brother' and urging the Centre, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to focus on strengthening relations rather than deepening divisions. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann addressing the House on the 2nd day of the special session in Chandigarh on Friday. (Ravi Kumar/HT) Speaking in the Punjab assembly on a resolution against the Centre's decision to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Bhakra-Nangal dam project, Mann criticised the ongoing political disputes between the neighboring states, particularly over water sharing, which has been a contentious issue for decades. 'Both Punjab and Haryana contribute more than 70% to the national food pool. However, successive political parties in both states have perpetuated conflicts, especially over water rights, despite having much in common,' Mann said. He called for a more cooperative approach to development between the two states, urging them to work together for mutual prosperity. Referring to the ongoing dispute over water resources, Mann called for a re-assessment of water in rivers flowing through Punjab, including the Ravi, Beas and Sutlej rivers, to address water-sharing arrangements with Haryana and Rajasthan. 'No review of water distribution has occurred for decades, though such reviews should be conducted every 25 years,' Mann said. The CM argued that Punjab has no surplus water to share and underscored the emotive significance of the issue for the people of the state. He also pointed out that the recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could open up opportunities for utilising water from western rivers, such as the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, to meet Punjab's water needs. He called for the construction of new storage dams upstream of existing ones in Himachal Pradesh to increase water availability for Punjab. Support for Diljit Dosanjh In a show of solidarity with Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, Mann defended the star against recent criticism over his role in the film Sardarji 3, which featured a Pakistani actress. Dosanjh has faced a backlash from some sections of the public, especially following the Pahalgam terror attack. Mann clarified that the film had been shot months prior to the incident, and Dosanjh should not be blamed for something outside his control. Mann also condemned the targeting of Punjabis' patriotism, noting that despite their contributions to national security and food production, they are often unfairly questioned. 'Punjab plays a crucial role in safeguarding our borders and ensuring food security for the nation,' he said. Fertile land being given to builders, alleges Bajwa Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa told the House that 40,000 acres of fertile agricultural land in the state was being handed over to real estate developers, a move he claimed undermines the state's farming community. 'This drama by the CM will not fetch him anything. The people of Punjab know the truth,' Bajwa asserted, adding that the ruling party was not serious about protecting the rights of the state's farmers. Mann, in turn, slammed the opposition for being non-committal to Punjab's rights and dismissed their criticism as baseless.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Phulkari: Colourful threads of tradition
'Phulkari typically ranges from sparse floral work to the densely embroidered bagh' What is phulkari? Phulkari, which literally translates to flower work, is an embroidery originating from Punjab , known for its intricate floral and geometric motifs created through a darn stitch on the reverse side of handspun cotton fabric or khaddar. Common motifs include grain plumes, paisleys and rural tools – each representing fertility, beauty or daily life 'Phulkari is a treasured heirloom' Symbolic of happiness and prosperity, phulkari is a story told through silk threads. Often seen as an essential to dress up and deck up spaces in festivals, phulkari represents the vibrant Punjabi culture. 'Phulkari typically ranges from sparse floral work to the densely embroidered bagh (garden),' shares Priya Chauhan, art curator and historian. Aman Uppal, founder of Virsa Phulkari, shares, 'Traditionally, phulkari wasn't meant to be sold. When a girl was born in the family, ladies from the family would start embroidering it for her trousseau. The phulkari was and continues to be a treasured heirloom, passed on from one generation to the other.' 'Phulkari continues to be a treasured heirloom' (Pics: @virsaphulkari) When phulkari is placed on modern silhouettes - like capes, draped skirts, pre-draped saris, or even structured corset blouses - it becomes a beautiful conversation between heritage and modernity Arpita Mehta, designer Fact sheet Traditionally phulkari was hand-embroidered, and craftspersons didn't use a frame (adda) Phulkari is done on khaddar (cotton), crepe, chinon and georgette To make a hand-embroidered phulkari dupatta, it may take seven to eight months Using the traditional reverse-stitching technique, craftspersons craft vibrant patterns that come to life on the front of the fabric One of the phulkaris has 52 motifs in a single dupatta, called bawan bagh. Chopte phulkari is an incomplete design, a corner of which is left undone, signifying prosperity. Khadar de bagh may have a full village scene depicted on it - Inputs from Aman Uppal, founder of Virsa Phulkari, a phulkari brand Manpreet Kaur Patti is working on the revival of traditional phulkari (Pics: @phulkarihouse) 'Phulkari is a festival and wedding essential for the Punjabis' Phulkari-embroidered articles and clothes continue to be a showstopper in Punjabi weddings and festivals. 'Today, artisans embroider luxurious base fabrics like brocade and velvet for phulkari articles, setting a rich foundation for the embroidery,' shares Shagun Bawa, founder of Pataaree Studios, a bespoke design company making phulkari bridal chadars, mithai boxes, wedding favours & potlis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Phulkari-embroidered articles and clothes continue to be a showstopper in Punjabi weddings and festivals (Pics: @pataaree) Phulkari 2.0 Designer Arpita Mehta, who designed Rakul Preet's pre-wedding phulkari outfit, says, 'The craft has such a rich, emotional resonance; it's colourful, and instantly impactful. What is exciting is giving the craft a fresh context, like combining it with mirrorwork.' Aman adds, 'To cater to the young generation, it is being done using bold-coloured threads.' Saurabh Gupta, founder of Kalki Fashion India, says, 'Phulkari is actually a narrative told through threads. Its making is a slow process, involving detailed work—and that's what makes it so special. We have started blending phulkari into modern silhouettes like jacket palazzo suits' Making phulkari cool for the current generation (Pics: @ Did You Know: Phulkari pieces have 'deliberate' flaws as nazar battu Those who make phulkari often leave at least one flaw in their piece –intentionally – to ward off nazar. 'Makers deliberately include a misplaced stitch or an odd colour in phulkari to act as a nazar battu,' says Priya, adding, 'There's a folk belief that an intentional 'flaw' protects the wearer or their family from envy or misfortune. Many also believe that perfection can attract unwanted attention.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Ashu poser to Kejriwal: ‘Will you let Arora to continue in Rajya Sabha if he loses'
The Congress Thursday demanded that the ruling AAP in general, and its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in particular, must tell people of Punjab what would be the party's stand on the Rajya Sabha seat from state in both scenarios — if Sanjeev Arora wins or loses the June 19 Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll. The AAP has fielded Arora, its Rajya Sabha member from Punjab, as the bypoll candidate amid allegations by the Opposition that the ruling party has nominated him to 'facilitate the backdoor entry of Kejriwal into the Upper House', a charge that AAP has denied several times in the past. Ashu, a former two-time MLA and the Congress candidate for teh bypoll, posed three questions to Kejriwal and AAP. Raising the first question, Ashu asked 'Kejriwal Sahab to please tell the people of Punjab in general and Ludhiana in particular whether you will allow Sanjeev Arora Ji to continue as the Rajya Sabha member after June 23 once the election results are declared and he loses'. 'Yes or no? You cannot escape the specific answer by claiming that 'he is going to win and he will obviously go to the Vidhan Sabha'… I am saying that because you are nobody to decide and I am nobody to decide at this stage, as it is the people of Ludhiana West who will decide. And I am confident that Sanjeev Arora will not win. Will you clarify whether you will let him continue as the Rajya Sabha MP or force him to resign to make way for yourself for Rajya Sabha ? This is a very important question and people of Punjab want you to answer,' said Ashu. In his second question, Ashu asked Kejriwal to tell the people of Punjab that in case he forces Arora to resign after elections irrespective of the outcome, whom will he send to the Rajya Sabha in his place? 'Will you be going yourself or will you nominate some Punjabi to represent Punjab. This question is related to Punjabis' rights. Please do answer. You have already sent three non-Punjabi outsiders to the Rajya Sabha from Punjab. Will you steal the fourth Rajya Sabha seat also from the Punjabis or replace a Punjabi with another Punjabi,' the Congress leader asked. 'Question number Three. If, and in all probability, you will force Arora to resign and you decide to go to the Rajya Sabha yourself, will you get your name deleted from the New Delhi Assembly segment and register yourself as a voter anywhere in Punjab. We Punjabis are large hearted. We will accept you…You may not become a Punjabi by heart, but you will still be a naturalized Punjabi. In any case you are using every facility in Punjab. Morality demands you either stop using Punjab's privileges, or opt Punjab as your home,' said Ashu.
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: AAP, Congress looted state, says BJP's Malik
Asserting that the BJP operates on the principle of 'more work, less talk', party's former state president Shwait Malik on Tuesday highlighted the development projects carried out by the party in the state. He also accused the AAP and Congress of 'looting Punjab' and 'befooling Punjabis' with unfulfilled promises. Addressing a press conference, Malik sought votes for party's Ludhiana West constituency candidate Jiwan Gupta. Malik underscored the BJP leadership's vision, citing the construction of an international-level railway station in Ludhiana and the nearly complete airport as key initiatives of the Modi government. He also credited the Modi government with the elevated roads and flyovers in Ludhiana. Malik further enumerated the achievements of the Modi-led government, including the establishment of the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Punjab, the first AIIMS in Bathinda and a satellite hospital of PGI in Ferozepur. He also highlighted national schemes, such as free foodgrains for 80 crore people, the Ayushman Bharat scheme, substantial benefits for industry, and the 'One Nation, One Tax' initiative. Malik stressed that despite the absence of a BJP government in Punjab, the party has approved major development works across the state, demonstrating its commitment to the entire nation. The former state BJP president claimed that leaders 'discarded in Delhi' are being given 'plum posts' in Punjab with vehicles and bungalows, burdening taxpayers.
