Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced to set up a state of the art Surjit Patar Centre for ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Guru Nanak Dev University.

 Chairing a function to pay homage to the eminent writer, Mann said that this centre will be equipped with the latest ultra modern technology and assured fulsome support and cooperation to the University. He also announced to institutionalise an Award in the memory of great writer which will be given to the budding writers to encourage them.

 The Chief Minister said that appointments in the universities are being made for the sole purpose of promoting academics in these prestigious institutions, adding that the single point agenda is to ensure that education, and not groupism, gets boost in these premier institutions. He said that the great Gurus, saints and martyrs have taught us to fight against tyranny, oppression and injustice.

Paying floral tributes to Dr Surjit Patar, Mann said that passing away of this great son of the soil was a huge and irreparable loss for the Punjabi literature, adding that he was one of the greatest writers of Punjabi Literature and he had a strong personal bond with the late writer, who appreciated him a lot. 

He said that Dr Surjit Patar was one of the most celebrated Punjabi writers who had a deep impact on the psyche of every Punjabi adding that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that if English language had legendary writer Keats then Punjabi language has Dr Surjit Patar. 

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for promotion of Punjabi language, adding that the state government has allocated funds worth more than Rs 350 crore to the Punjabi University Patiala to bring it out of financial crunch. He said that it was imperative to ensure that the teaching staff could focus duly on educating the youth and promotion of Punjabi language.

Mann also extended his best wishes to the people on the sacred day of Maghi adding that this solemn occasion is observed every year in memory of the 40 Muktas (liberated ones) who laid down their lives in the battle of Khidrana, now known as Sri Muktsar Sahib. He said that the auspicious occasion of Maghi in Sri Muktsar Sahib was being held since time immemorial as a mark of respect to eulogize the supreme sacrifice of 40 Muktas, who valiantly fought against the Mughals.