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Hon’ble BJP National President Shri Nitin Nabin, while addressing the ‘Yuva Samvad’ programme in Ludhiana, Punjab on Monday, stated that India earlier had a weak presence in international sporting competitions, but today young people are increasingly attracted towards sports and have clear opportunities and a defined roadmap before them. Shri Nabin praised the contribution of states like Haryana, Odisha and Jharkhand in the field of sports and highlighted the sports development vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Shri Nabin also underscored the significant expansion in the healthcare sector, including the increase in AIIMS institutions, medical education and the number of doctors in the country. Emphasizing Punjab’s development, youth empowerment and the BJP’s political role, Shri Nitin Nabin stated that the party would further intensify its public outreach and agitation programmes on issues concerning the people over the next six months. Punjab BJP President Shri Kewal Singh Dhillon and other senior leaders were also present on the occasion.
Shri Nabin said that when he himself was in school and college, whether it was football, cricket, athletics or the Olympics, India’s position was often among the last in international competitions. Even if the country managed to open its medal tally, it was seen as a matter of great pride, and at times, India would return without any medals at all. A single bronze medal would make the nation feel accomplished simply because India had found a place in the medal standings. Such was the situation in those days, and if an individual achieved success through personal determination, people hoped for another P.T. Usha to emerge. However, today the most encouraging development for India’s young population is the growing attraction towards sports and the presence of a clear roadmap before them. While many of the challenges mentioned still exist, those governments and states that have addressed them with seriousness and commitment are now writing success stories in the field of sports.
Hon’ble National President stated that states like Odisha, Jharkhand and Haryana have done remarkable work in the field of sports and noted that while Punjab was once considered stronger than Haryana in producing athletes, Haryana has today made sports its mission and is consequently bringing numerous medals for the country and producing several outstanding sportspersons. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has a clear vision for sports development and that a robust support system for athletes is being created, including the establishment of specialised academies for different sports. Referring to adventure sports, Shri Nabin stated that many countries have adopted them as a mission for their youth and that India also has immense potential in this area, which deserves greater support. Suggestions for improving the sports sector would be welcomed, discussed with Shri Mansukh Mandaviya Ji, and acted upon wherever necessary.
Shri Nabin stated that concerns regarding hospitals, health insurance and healthcare facilities are important and acknowledged that while Punjab has been provided with an AIIMS and additional institutions such as two PGIs and PGI circles have been established, there is still considerable scope for improvement in the health sector. Creating a conducive environment would encourage greater participation from the private sector and that both government and private initiatives are necessary to provide quality healthcare services to a country as large as India. The government’s roadmap in the health sector is clearly visible, highlighting that the number of AIIMS has doubled over the last 12 years, the number of students pursuing medical education has increased by more than one and a half times, and the annual number of medical graduates has risen from around 40,000–50,000 to nearly 1.5 lakh.
Hon’ble National President asserted that the development of healthcare infrastructure is essential to meet the growing demand for hospitals and medical services. While many hospitals are being established across the country, there remains a shortage of doctors and para-medical support staff, and both capacities must be expanded simultaneously in a gradual and systematic manner. Merely constructing hospitals without ensuring the availability of doctors would serve little purpose, as it takes nearly five years for a doctor to earn a medical degree. Highlighting the increase in medical education capacity, Shri Nabin mentioned that the annual number of medical graduates has risen from around 50,000 to nearly 1.5 lakh, enabling the country to better meet the requirements of its expanding healthcare system. It is equally important to provide doctors with the necessary facilities and a better quality of life.
Shri Nabin stated that concerns raised by members of the legal fraternity, including issues related to stipends and other necessary support mechanisms, deserve attention and that ensuring their security and welfare is a matter of responsibility. Recalling his own association with the legal field and his tenure as Law Minister, he remarked that he understands the challenges faced by advocates and noted that many of these issues require decisions at the state level, with the state government bearing greater responsibility in addressing matters concerning the legal community. The suggestions put forward by participants should not be viewed as allegations but as responsibilities that need to be fulfilled, and assured that if the BJP forms the government in Punjab, addressing these concerns would be its responsibility. Emphasising the importance of Punjab’s youth and dedicated Party Karyakartas, Shri Nabin asserted that Punjab occupies a vital place in the country’s consciousness, contributing to national security and preserving India’s rich culture and heritage, making it an extremely important state for both India and the BJP.
Hon’ble BJP National President said that the BJP’s victory in West Bengal brought happiness not only to the people of the state and Party Karyakartas but also to citizens across the country, as many believed that West Bengal had reached a stage where illegal Bangladeshi infiltration had become a challenge to national security, youth and other critical issues. People viewed the BJP’s rise in West Bengal as a step towards strengthening the nation’s security and that the party sees Punjab through a similar lens. Emphasising the strategic importance of Punjab, Shri Nabin observed that the BJP’s emergence as a stronger force in the state is equally necessary and acknowledged that the party has had certain shortcomings from which lessons must be learned if it is to earn the complete trust of the people. The BJP has resolved to take up Punjab’s issues more aggressively, from the panchayat level to the state level, and will take to the streets, raise every public issue, struggle for the people’s concerns and emerge as a strong voice of the people.
Shri Nabin stated that during his three-day visit to Punjab, he held extensive discussions with his team on various issues concerning the state and asserted that the BJP would live up to the expectations and trust that the people place in the party. Over the next six months, the party’s outreach and agitation programmes would be visible on the ground and expressed confidence that greater public trust would translate into stronger support for the BJP. A strong and capable Punjab can only be built through empowered young people. Describing Punjab as the sacred land of martyrs and Gurus that has given the nation great heroes and spiritual leaders, Shri Nabin remarked that with the blessings, goodwill and support of the people of Punjab, the BJP would gain the strength to provide good governance. He expressed hope that 2027 would mark an important step towards a Viksit Punjab and that by 2047, when India achieves the vision of a developed nation, Punjab too would reclaim its glorious legacy and emerge as a developed and prosperous state.