Want to see Punjab regain its No. 1 slot

Punjab is a state of mind that defies geography. In the run-up to the assembly elections, Punjabis across the globe talk to Hindustan Times about their hopes and dreams for their homeland.

Iam a proud Punjabi. My heart swells whenever I think of Punjab. For me, Punjab, the state, is all about its wonderful people, so hospitable, so warm, and so large-hearted. No matter which part of the world I am in, the thought of the green and gold fields of wheat brings a smile to my face. And there is nothing that can beat the blues better than the simple makki ki roti and saag. It’s undoubtedly my all-time favourite. Punjabis take Punjab everywhere with them. I know this, for I travel extensively. Wherever I go, I find a slice of Punjab. They are the most resilient people I have encountered. True survivors, that is what I call them. I’ve noticed, you leave a Punjabi anywhere in the world, and he makes a good living out of nothing. I keep meeting people who are the leaders in their field, yet they tell you they started with nothing. That speaks volumes about our can-do spirit. We succeed because we give 100% to the task at hand.

This is why I wonder why the state is not in a better shape. Long back, I remember travelling through Punjab and I was disappointed by its lack of infrastructure. The roads too were in a bad state. Now I am told things are looking up, there is a lot of improvement in roads and the highways have opened up. But the buzz you hear about Punjab is not all positive. I keep reading how the state is slipping on the essential indicators. Is it still the No.1 in wheat production? I wonder.

But I want to see Punjab regain its No. 1 slot. It should be the topper in every field, be it agriculture, sports, education or healthcare. There is no reason for us to lag behind anyone in any sphere. We, the Punjabis, can do it.

› Punjab should be the topper in every field, be it agriculture, sports, education or healthcare. There is no reason for us to lag behind. We, the Punjabis, can doit. JEEV MILKHA SINGH, professional golfer and Padma Shri awardee