Punjab’s contribution to India is so huge that it can fill history books — but sadly, the treatment Punjab receives from the Union Government can barely fill a footnote. If India were a family drama, Punjab would be the hardworking elder son who earns, sacrifices, fights the wars, feeds everyone… yet gets scolded for asking for a glass of water.
From the freedom struggle to the Green Revolution, Punjab practically carried India on its shoulders. But the moment the country became independent, the Union Government suddenly developed selective amnesia. They remembered everything except Punjab’s sacrifices — a medical mystery still unsolved.
Punjab’s rivers, which rightfully belong to Punjab, were distributed to other states as if the Centre was running a charity show. “Who wants water? Raise your hand!” And Punjab, the rightful owner, was told to sit quietly and clap.
Economically, Punjab gave so much that even national accounting systems must be tired of calculating. But whenever Punjab asks for its share, the Centre behaves like a shopkeeper who refuses to return the correct change. “What do you mean you want your own money back? How ungrateful!”
Once a proud industrial hub, Punjab now watches central investment fly over it like airplanes that never land. The Centre promised development, but apparently those promises were delivered through India Post — and the parcel is still stuck somewhere.
Then comes the border issue. Punjab protects the nation, faces the bullets, evacuates villages during every conflict — but gets development packages so tiny that even a mosquito might complain they’re too small.
And of course, the political interference. Every time a Sikh religious or community matter comes up, the Centre suddenly becomes very interested. It’s amazing — in Punjab’s economy, they show no interest; in Punjab’s identity, they show too much interest. A balance the Centre has perfected over decades.
Despite all this, Punjab still stands, strong and proud. The state that watered India, fed India, fought for India, and bled for India still asks for nothing more than fairness. But fairness is apparently a limited-edition item in New Delhi — always “out of stock.”
One day, hopefully, the Union Government will realize that treating Punjab like a step-child is not good