Himalaya Harbinger, National Bureau.
The deserted lanes of Palahi village in Punjab, located near Jalandhar between the Sutlej and Beas rivers, narrate a story of migration and longing. Once vibrant with community life, the village now stands quiet, its streets lined with locked, luxurious homes. Spiderwebs and wasps’ nests cling to the corners, marking months of abandonment.
This fertile region of Punjab, renowned for its rich soil and bountiful crops, is increasingly becoming synonymous with the exodus of its youth. More than farming, the dream of settling abroad—particularly in countries like Canada and the United States—dominates the aspirations of Palahi’s younger generations. The village boasts numerous “Western Union Money Transfer” boards, while advisors promising visa approvals and overseas opportunities outnumber traditional businesses.
In Palahi, it’s rare to find a household untouched by this trend. Some family members are preparing to leave, others have already settled abroad, and the rest are left behind, waiting for the occasional visit from loved ones.
Dreams of the Youth
At dawn, the grounds of Jagat Singh College in Palahi are bustling with students training in sports. Among them is Jitendra Singh, a class XII student eagerly awaiting his final exams.
“After my exams, I plan to move to Canada,” Jitendra shares. “There’s nothing here for us. Even after completing a BA degree, people end up doing menial jobs. I want to work hard abroad, earn a fortune, and eventually bring my parents there to live a better life.”
Shriram Jaiswal, another young resident, is enrolled in a motor winding course. He echoes similar aspirations. “My mentor works in Canada and advised me to take this course. Once I complete it, he’ll help arrange my visa. The opportunities there are better—less effort, more money,” he says confidently.
The Harsh Reality
However, not all dreams are realized. Ravinder Bhargava, principal of Jagat Singh College, is well aware of the challenges. “Many students ask if this certification will be recognized by embassies. While some succeed, others fall prey to fraudulent agents or remain stuck in endless waiting,” he explains.
The principal reflects on the societal changes in Palahi, adding, “The sparkle of relatives returning from abroad motivates the youth to follow suit, but they overlook the loneliness left behind for elders who cannot accompany them.”
A Changed Village
Despite its modern amenities—paved roads, underground sewer systems, and 24/7 electricity—Palahi lacks the essence of traditional village life. Evening gatherings at the chaupal are a thing of the past, and the once-busy streets now remain eerily quiet.
Manohar Singh, a lifelong resident, observes the transformation. “Most villagers have moved abroad, and outsiders now rent parts of these vacant houses. While money flows into the village, the sense of community has vanished,” he says.
Left Behind
Elderly residents like Gyani Menga Singh bear the brunt of this migration. Singh’s son moved to Italy, later settling in Norway. “I never wanted him to leave, but now, he’s far away. Money arrives regularly, but it cannot fill the void,” he says, his voice heavy with emotion.
Menga Singh recalls a simpler time. “We lived in mud houses with minimal facilities, but we were happy. Our children were with us, and we supported each other through good times and bad. Now, despite the wealth, there’s an emptiness that cannot be ignored,” he laments.
A Common Tale
Palahi’s story is not unique; hundreds of villages across Punjab face a similar fate. Migration in search of better opportunities continues, as does the heartache of those left behind.
“Migration is not just the movement of people—it’s the movement of emotions, culture, and memories,” remarks sociologist Dr. Karanjit Sandhu. “While families hope for prosperity, they often sacrifice the bonds that make life meaningful.”
As the cycle of migration persists, so does the wait—a wait for homecomings, however fleeting they may be.
