Punjab. Wheat. Green fields. Swag. The land of five rivers.
But I read Punjab news in Hindi today — the news that doesn't reach Delhi. Here are 5 truths. They are not shiny.
1. Drugs Killed a 10-Year-Old
A 10-year-old in a Punjab village took a synthetic drug. He collapsed. Died on the way to the hospital.
The headline: "Child dies of drug overdose."
The truth: His father is an addict. His mother left. He had no one.
2. Golden Fields — But Darkness in Farmer's Stomach
Punjab's fields are green. The crops are tall. But the farmer is in debt. Pesticides are expensive. Water is vanishing. A farmer said: "The wheat was good. But my debt is better."
The headline: "Bumper crop expected."
The truth: The crop is bumper. The price is not.
3. Girls Went Abroad — Boys Are Unemployed
Punjab's girls are going to Canada, Australia, UK. Boys are staying back. Driving tractors. Waiting for visas.
The headline: "Youth migration on the rise."
The truth: The girls will succeed. The boys will resent them.
4. Langar in Gurudwara — Hunger at Home
A village in Punjab has a beautiful gurudwara. Langar is served twice a day. Free food for all. But in the same village, families eat only once a day. Because they are too proud to take langar.
The headline: "Langar serves 500 daily."
The truth: Pride is a slow poison.
5. "I Will Not Leave Punjab"
Everyone is leaving Punjab. Drugs. Debt. Unemployment. One young man refused. He started a small organic farm. He sells directly to Delhi. He earns 3x more than his father ever did.
The headline: "Young farmer stays back."
The truth: He is the exception. But he proves it's possible.
Punjab Is Not Shining
Punjab is crying. Drugs are killing children. Farmers are drowning in debt. Boys are left behind. Pride is hiding hunger. And one young man is fighting alone.