The ongoing protest by 1158 highly qualified Professors, Assistant Professors, Librarians, and academic professionals in Punjab is not merely a demand for jobs—it is a desperate cry for justice. These individuals are not just faceless applicants; they are scholars, mentors, and future nation-builders who have invested years of hard work in their academic careers. After undergoing rigorous selection processes, clearing competitive examinations, and even receiving appointment letters, they are now left in a state of despair due to a legal deadlock that has robbed them of their rightful positions.
The recent Supreme Court judgment, which raised procedural objections in their recruitment, has placed their futures in jeopardy. But it is crucial to ask—should a technicality overshadow the dreams, labour, and hopes of 1158 honest, law-abiding citizens? These candidates did nothing wrong. If there were administrative lapses, why should they be the ones paying the price? Justice must be tempered with compassion, and the state must act with both urgency and empathy.
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has come forward in strong support of these protesting educators. NAPA’s Executive Director, Satnam Singh Chahal, has called upon the Punjab Government to file a review petition in the Supreme Court immediately. Chahal stated that the Punjabi diaspora is deeply distressed over the situation. Many of the affected educators are sons and daughters of families now settled abroad. The emotional toll is devastating—not only for those protesting but also for their parents, spouses, and children, whose lives have been disrupted and dreams put on hold.
Beyond the individual pain, this crisis highlights a much larger concern: the crumbling state of Punjab’s higher education system. Government colleges across the state are already understaffed, and students are suffering the consequences. Lectures are not being held, academic calendars are disrupted, and departments are functioning with skeletal faculty. The delay in appointing these selected candidates is further damaging an already fragile system. Punjab cannot afford such an educational crisis if it hopes to compete on a national and global level.
Moreover, this issue is fast turning into a question of public trust. When candidates pass exams, undergo interviews, and receive appointment letters, only to be denied their jobs due to governmental or judicial confusion, it erodes confidence in the entire system. It sends a dangerous message to the youth—that hard work and merit have no guarantee of reward. This is a betrayal that no progressive society can afford.
The Punjab Government must take decisive action now. Filing a review petition is not just a legal necessity—it is a moral imperative. Dialogue with the protesting educators must be initiated immediately. Legislative or administrative steps should also be explored to ensure these appointments are protected and upheld. These are not criminals or agitators; they are highly educated individuals who should be standing in classrooms, not protesting on roads.
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) reiterates its complete support for the 1158 protesting educators. NAPA will continue to raise its voice at every possible forum, including political and human rights platforms, until justice is delivered. This is not just a professional struggle; it is a humanitarian one.
Punjab stands at a crossroads. Will it choose to honor its commitments to education and its youth, or will it allow silence and inaction to deepen the crisis? The answer will define not just the future of these 1158 educators but the very credibility of Punjab’s governance.
Let us stand united—for education, for justice, and for the dignity of those who choose to teach.