Punjab Youth: Problems, Perspectives, and Potential (LIVE WEBINAR)

International Webinar discussing the issues of the Punjabi Youth, with special reference to the Sikh, attended by over 300 eminent personalities in USA and Canada.

File Photo: 19 June, 2020.

Punjab Youth, with special reference to the Sikhs: Problems, Perspectives, and Potential

Introduction to the Webinar

Hosted by the renowned "PHX Global Gurmat Vichaar Group" (ਫੀਨਿਕਸ (Phoenix) ਗਲੋਬਲ ਗੁਰਮਤ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਗਰੁੱਪ) of Arizona, USA, and masterfully orchestrated by Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdeva Ji, a pivotal webinar was convened. Under Dr. Singh's expert moderation, I had the privilege to discuss the intricate challenges and untapped potentials of Punjab's spirited youth, with a spotlight on the Sikh diaspora. Notably, this session transpired during the early hours of the 16th of August in India, yet it was still the 15th of August, India's Independence Day, in the USA.

This week's session was anchored by my presentation, which then naturally transitioned into a lively Q&A segment. The invaluable perspectives from Dr. Jaswant Singh Sachdeva Ji, complemented by insights from other distinguished participants, truly enriched our dialogue. Attracting over 300 attendees, predominantly from the Sikh community across the USA and Canada, the webinar enhanced the depth of our discourse. Collectively, their insights wove a vivid narrative of Punjab's cultural legacy, emphasizing the indispensable role its youth plays in its continuing story.

Framework of the Talk:

I. Introduction

As we dove into the subject, we first addressed Punjab's unique demographics, with a special emphasis on its significant Sikh community. The importance of understanding youth issues, specifically within this cultural and religious context, cannot be overstated.

II. Problems

Punjab's youth, especially those from the Sikh community, are facing a spectrum of challenges¹:

• The absence of a formal education on Sikh values, traditions, and history has created a void. Many institutions, parents, and even traditional Sikh bodies haven't filled this gap effectively, leading to a dilution of cultural identity and values.

• Modern cultural icons like certain Punjabi singers are emphasizing themes like firearms, alcohol use, and confrontations with the law, thereby altering the youths' mindset.

• The Punjabi language is not receiving the attention it deserves. This, combined with the tendency of the youth to either stay in Punjab or emigrate abroad, has implications for broader cultural integration.

• Unemployment and economic disparities are prominent, especially among Sikh SCs. This issue is exacerbated by the 'creamy layer' competition, particularly from children of elite officers and politicians.

• There's also a broader set of issues², like substance abuse³ and agricultural distress, that plague Punjab's youth.

III. Perspectives

Various stakeholders offer multiple views:

• The youth have dreams and aspirations, often shaped by their immediate environment.

• Community and religious leaders have their interpretations and solutions to these challenges.

• From the government and institutional end, a plethora of policies and programs target these issues, albeit with varying degrees of success.

IV. Potential

Despite the challenges, Punjab's youth have immense potential:

• Encouraging positive role models can reshape the narrative and reintroduce traditional values in a modern context.

• Through tailored curricula, we can revive the Punjabi language and offer a formal education on Sikhism.

• Economic empowerment, be it through skill development or entrepreneurship, can bridge the economic disparity.

• And finally, promoting cultural integration without diluting the unique Sikh identity can enrich the entire nation.

V. Conclusion The webinar concluded on a hopeful note, with a vision of a more empowered and informed Sikh youth in Punjab. But the conversation isn't over. It's just the beginning.

Access to the Webinar

For those who missed the live discussion, you can access the full webinar video here⁴. Your engagement and feedback are invaluable.

Final Call to Action

To everyone with a deep love and respect for Punjab – the onus is upon us to nurture its future torchbearers. For those who have resources, insights, or capabilities, it's a heartfelt appeal to mentor and guide our young scholars and students, especially the young girls, to embark on self-employment or startup ventures⁵.

Let's unite and amplify the potentials of Punjab's youth, ensuring that the land of five rivers continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.

Relaxing with Oreo, after the Webinar.

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2. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/over-66l-drug-users-in-state-panel-report-531810

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4. https://1drv.ms/v/s!Ai_pw6JFNFuHifMU4LidQmzXGIZrJQ?e=wjPeoA

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