On visit to native village, Chief Secy vows all-round development

Punjab Chief Secretary, Anurag Verma, today said education was the most powerful tool to bridge societal divides, including those between rural and urban areas, poverty and wealth, as well as gender and caste.

During his visit to his native village, Chalela, Verma distributed uniforms to students of the local government school in remembrance of his late father, Prof B C Verma. He was accompanied by his wife, Navdeep Verma and their son, Ayaan Verma. The Chief Secretary also inaugurated a new commerce school to provide students with broader academic opportunities.

Talking to The Tribune, Verma said development of Chalela was always in his mind, adding that he would leave no stone unturned to ensure all-round development of this village. He said, “There is no better way to ensure development than the students and I would ensure better facilities for the schoolchildren here.”

Verma instructed the Deputy Commissioner to arrange for the construction of a stadium and library in response to requests from the villagers. He added, “The state government is focused on steering the youth away from drugs by promoting sports and education through such facilities.”

Addressing the students, Verma shared personal anecdotes about the transformative power of education within his own family. He encouraged students and teachers to focus on education. He stated hardwork and dedication can propel any student from the village to great heights.

“There are no limits to what you can achieve with persistence, and your efforts will surely be rewarded,” he said.

Verma also recounted his family’s educational journey, noting that his grandfather, a Patwari, advanced to the role of Kanungo. His father, Prof B C Verma, began his education at the village school before continuing his studies in Patiala, eventually becoming a professor of chemistry and later a college principal. His mother, too, pursued education and rose to the position of school principal.

Continuing his father’s tradition of supporting local students, Verma distributed uniforms, bags and books to those in need in honour of Prof B C Verma’s first death anniversary.