The land of five rivers

Himalayan Rivers flow through the state of Punjab—land of five rivers.It  was always green, beautiful and pristine.  People of Punjab state are very hardworking farmers who had modernised (at super speed) their modes of production. The Green Revolution came very early to Punjab with record high bumper crops year, year after year; for more than 3 decades they have been at the top. They have the highest GDP, the incomes of the people has increased several times. They had also constructed the first planned city- Chandigarh. They had made it their state capital and shared this city with neighbouring state of Haryana. They loved their livelihood –farming and they farmed devotedly modernising the modes of production— a tractor, motors, seeders, ploughs huskers etc

Political system was beset by rivalry between two feuding clans (in shape of two parties), who did not think about further development. They did not think about education for the next generation who had very high aspirations. The number of engineering colleges was few; other technical colleges were limited too.Farmer’s children do not want to continue farming and want to study more and more. Non availability of avenues of study reduced their hopes. This greatly limited the opportunities for the aspiring younger generation. Many did not go for higher education as they had wished. For a people who are forward looking, progressive, intelligent and enthusiastic about future, this phenomenon is a very big set-back. Political system had hampered the development of educational institutes. Cost of progress is very high for the proud people of Punjab, even after working hard they could not give the next generation what they had wanted. The new election (upcoming election) will bring out the new issues. There is hope that the ruling elite will overcome differences and think about progress of the people. A positive change by the political system on line with the people’s aspirations is mandatory for true progress of the people.

Strong views on land acquisition blocked development resulting in problems for the people. Unfortunately, using organic manure which (considered old-fashioned) was discarded; and farmers had started using subsidised chemical fertilisers. The devoted farmers were misinformed an extensively used poisonous chemicals as pesticides and strong chemicals as fertilisers. The pesticides and inorganic fertilisers had leached into the soil, contaminating the ground water with cancerous chemicals; and the incidence of cancer amongst the people has increased substantially. Every day, an overcrowded train carries cancer patients goes to the neighbouring state of Rajasthan where there is a cancer hospital. Rustic overzealous farmers did not want to give any land for construction of hospitals, and had blocked land acquisition processes vehemently. People should become more flexible and see the importance in making hospitals which will benefit all just as farming benefits all. In future, new farming practises like organic farming will eliminate the use of chemicals resulting in favourable harvests. The land will recuperate and eliminate the poisonous chemicals in it. Creating riparian zones will change the chemicals in soil into biomass.

Farming is very dear to the people of Punjab and farmers would not sell their farms at any price. The high spirited enthusiastic entrepreneurs of Punjab were determined to construct industries even if no land was available in Punjab. Even when industries were not given any space here, Punjab’s industrialists made factories in other states like Madhya Pradesh or Bihar where land was available at cheap rates and workers were available locally. They have become very rich because of their sheer hard work, diligence, management skills and ability to work under adverse environments. They have fine business acumen and are successful entrepreneurs.

Many highly educated people of Punjab have migrated to foreign countries seeking fortune elsewhere as there is little scope for appropriate jobs within the state. No ‘IT’ industry was developed by the feuding politicians. No techno hubs were made here. Failed political system has not dampened the ever vibrant

spirit of the Punjab people. They were successful wherever they went and in all professions they had pursued. The cultural aspirations of the people are beyond the political systems of the state of Punjab. The Punjab people and their strong and noble spirit are a great source of inspiration for all Indians. Despite adversities, they have become highly successful; they had overcome hurdles because of their indomitable spirit and soul. They are ever vibrant just like the drum beats of their “Bhangra” songs—ever young, ever jubilant and ever inspiring.