Presiding over the centenary celebrations of Khalsa Dewan at Khalsa College for Women, Badal said that the growth targets set by the Centre and the state governments cannot not achieved unless concerted efforts are made to promote education, especially among rural students.

Badal appreciated the milestones achieved by Khalsa Dewan during its 100 years in the service of mankind, by establishing premier institutions of education at Ludhiana. He also lauded the initiative of Khalsa Dewan for making outstanding contribution for promoting the cause of education for women and empowering them.

Badal honoured the former faculty members of the college who had put in almost more than three decades of service. He also released a souvenir on the completion of 100 years of Khalsa Dewan (1907-2007) and announced a grant of Rs 20 lakh for the development of the college.

In his welcome address, treasurer of Khalsa Dewan Gurdish Singh Grewal outlined the brief history of Khalsa Dewan. Principal Varinder Kaur Thind gave a brief account of the academic activities and extra-curricular achievements of the college.

Badal critisized Raj Thakre for his ‘narrow thinking’

Condemning the recent attacks on North Indians in Maharashtra, CM Prakash Singh Badal termed it as an immature and narrow-minded thinking of Maharashtra Nirman Sena and it’s president Raj Thakre. Badal said that in this era of globalisation, people are moving not only within a country but all over the world. “If Thakre’s views are endorsed, it will lead to a total chaos. If all non-Punjabis are asked to quit Punjab, who will allow them (Punjabis) to settle in other states.”

Reacting to the Punjab Haryana High Court judgement exonerating the police officials in the case of the manhandling of the veterinary girl students, Badal said that his government will examine the details of the judgement and if required, will go in for an appeal. The Akali-BJP alliance had made this episode as an election issue in their campaign for Assembly elections last year.