Milpitas(California)The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has urged all NRI political leaders and influential members of the Punjabi diaspora to follow the example set by UK MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and contribute meaningfully to the development of their native villages and communities in Punjab.
Chahal said that at a time when many NRIs are exercising considerable caution about making investments in Punjab because of concerns over governance, security, law and order and the overall investment environment, Dhesi’s decision to donate Rs 2.5 crore for various development works in his native Raipur Farala village in Jalandhar Cantonment Assembly constituency sends an important and positive message.
Dhesi, the three-time UK MP from Slough and Chairman of the UK Parliament’s Defence Committee, recently visited Punjab. During his visit, he also met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with his paternal uncle and Aam Aadmi Party leader Paramjit Singh Raipur, and discussed issues being faced by NRIs.
Chahal said Dhesi’s contribution demonstrates that political influence and public service should not be limited to electoral politics. “Those NRIs who have achieved success abroad and have entered politics have a special responsibility towards the communities from which they originated. Their success should also become an opportunity for development back home,” he said.
He appealed to NRI MPs, MLAs, councillors, political leaders and other influential members of the diaspora to establish transparent development initiatives in their native villages, particularly in education, healthcare, sports, infrastructure, skill development and employment generation.
“Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has shown that one can rise to a prominent political position abroad and still remain connected with the roots. His contribution of Rs 2.5 crore is not merely financial assistance; it is a message that public representatives can use their position and resources to create tangible benefits for ordinary people.”
Chahal said Punjab needs more such initiatives at a time when confidence among NRIs about investing in the state has been affected by various concerns. Instead of merely discussing Punjab’s problems, successful members of the diaspora should come forward with practical and transparent solutions.
He also said that NRI political leaders should maintain close contact with their native communities and listen directly to the concerns of villagers. “The diaspora has enormous financial, professional and political resources. If even a fraction of these resources are directed towards sustainable village development, thousands of families can benefit,” he added.
Chahal congratulated Dhesi on being honoured at the gurdwara in Raipur Farala village and said his initiative should become a model for other NRI political leaders.
“NRI politicians should not compete only for political positions and recognition. They should also compete in serving their roots. Punjab needs more examples of giving back, and Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has provided one such example.” Chahal said.