CHANDIGARH, 2nd February 2026:
A delegation of the National Defence College, New Delhi, currently on a study tour of Punjab, called on Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday, during which he highlighted the state’s unparalleled contribution to the nation’s unity and sovereignty, its legacy of valour and communal harmony, and Punjab’s enduring role as the sword arm and food bowl of India.
Interacting with a delegation of the National Defence College that called on him here today, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab has given the Indian Armed Forces distinguished military leaders and braveheart soldiers who have always made supreme sacrifices for the country.” He said, “It is heartening to learn that the National Defence College, New Delhi, is on a visit to Punjab from February 2 to 6.”
Welcoming the delegation upon their arrival in the state, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This socio-political study tour is aimed at understanding and learning about Punjab’s social, economic, political and other sectors.”
Extending a warm welcome to the delegation on the sacred soil of Punjab, the Chief Minister said, “The state government feels privileged to host you.” He apprised the delegation, saying, “Punjab is the holy land of great Gurus, saints, seers, prophets and martyrs, and it is known as the land of brave and hardworking people.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The youth of the state protect the borders, and our farmers keep the country’s granaries secure, due to which Punjab is proudly known as the ‘Food Bowl and Sword Arm of India’.”
The Chief Minister said, “Punjab’s farmers contribute the most to the country’s grain production, and 40 percent of the food grains in the national pool are contributed by the state.” He added, “The brave soldiers from Punjab have sacrificed their lives to protect the country’s unity, integrity and sovereignty, and it is a fact that Punjabis made the maximum sacrifices in the country’s freedom struggle.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab is a peaceful state where peace, mutual love and communal harmony are so strong that the seeds of hatred cannot germinate here.”
The Chief Minister said, “Despite being a border state, Punjab has never been divided along sectarian lines. Instead, Punjabis have set beautiful examples of communal harmony before the world during times of crisis.” He further said, “The holy city of Amritsar is known as a symbol of all-inclusive coexistence and is home to sacred sites like Sri Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Mandir, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal, Jallianwala Bagh and others.” He added, “Punjab shares a 532-kilometre-long international border with a hostile country, yet it has remained an epitome of secularism, peace and amity.”
The Chief Minister said, “As part of the study of India’s socio-political and economic aspects, a week-long tour has started in Punjab.” He added, “This course provides an opportunity to visit states and gain in-depth knowledge about their social, political, economic, cultural and religious aspects.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It also allows a better perspective on the challenges of implementing administration, governance and law and order at the state level down to the village level.” He said, “The delegation consists of a total of 16 officers, with 31 percent representation from foreign officers, as five of the 16 officers are from abroad.”
The Chief Minister said, “The delegation includes one officer each from Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nepal.” He added, “There are 11 Indian officers, including Army five, Navy two, Air Force two, AFHQCS one and DoLR one.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The delegation includes officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force at Brigadier or Secretary level, as well as civil officers.”
The Chief Minister said, “Civil officers from services including IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, Coast Guard and DRDO are also part of this ambitious course.” He added, “The course covers areas such as knowledge about India and strategic orientation, economic security, science and technology, global issues, the international security environment, strategic aspects of neighbouring countries, and strategies and structures for national security.” On the occasion, Bhagwant Singh Mann also felicitated the members of the visiting delegation and said, “I wish them a comfortable stay in the state.”
