Indian Roots

24 November 2013 marked the beginning of a chapter in my life that would take me across continents and years of self-discovery. My name is Rashpal Singh, hailing from Haryana, India. Fresh out of school, I was 19, full of the energy of youth, but directionless. Like many in small-town India, I had little control over my future. My mother decided that I should go abroad, specifically to Australia, to secure a better financial future. Her reasoning was simple—she knew someone who had gone there and was apparently doing well. The idea of "paisa" in a foreign land was enough to make me consider the journey, even though I had no idea what awaited me. I began preparing for my IELTS exams, which seemed like an impossible task, considering I had studied in Hindi-medium schools where English was rarely spoken. Still, I practiced hard, and when I scored 5.5 bands, I was elated. However, my visa consultant, a relative working on commission, told me I needed 6 bands. I refuse...

India’s political landscape is a complex tapestry woven with threads of corruption, apathy, and hypocrisy. Every five years, we witness a familiar cycle where the elected representatives, hailed as champions of change, soon fall from grace, becoming the very embodiment of corruption they once promised to eradicate. This phenomenon raises a pressing question: why do we, the electorate, continue to perpetuate this cycle? The Illusion of Choice As election season approaches, politicians scramble to showcase their achievements, rallying crowds with promises of a brighter future. Yet, it is common to hear voters disparage these very representatives, labeling them as corrupt and self-serving. However, the paradox lies in the fact that we, as voters, often fail to support candidates who genuinely strive for change. Instead, we succumb to the belief that elections are bought and sold, and that the common man stands no chance against the wealthy and powerful. The truth is that many ...

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a mass exodus of Punjabi students and families moving to countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK in search of a better future. The dream of a prosperous life abroad often seems like the ultimate goal for many, but is the reality as perfect as it is often portrayed? The Illusion of Progress Many students went to Canada with high hopes of building a successful career and securing a bright future. But now, we see these same students facing hardships, struggling to manage their studies, work, and living expenses. Some are even protesting in the streets, crying for justice against the exploitation they face. Was this the progress we had all hoped for? Or are we trapped in an illusion, shaped by dreams and promises that were never fully realistic to begin with? We knew from the start that it would be hard, but the real challenges of life abroad are rarely spoken about openly. Why Don’t We Share the Whole Picture? One thing I’ve often noticed ...

In Punjab, many of us take pride in being brave, outspoken, and standing up for what we believe in. We often look up to individuals who seem to challenge the government, speaking out on issues that concern us deeply. But have we ever thought about how these people are able to speak so boldly without facing serious consequences? If a regular person like you or me tried to do the same, we would likely face trouble. So why are these individuals allowed to speak freely? The truth is, some of these so-called leaders may not be as independent as they seem. They may be supported and controlled by the government itself, placed in the spotlight to influence the public in a way that serves the government’s purpose. This might sound surprising, but we must understand that the government knows how to maintain control. If they wanted to silence someone, they could. So, when certain people are allowed to speak out, it’s worth questioning whether they are really standing against the gover...

As Indians, when we come abroad, we’re often told that hard work is the key to success. Many of us spend years working long hours, dreaming of a day when we can start our own business, get permanent residency, and finally call ourselves successful. But is that dream really as straightforward as it seems?  One of the most common paths people take after securing PR is opening restaurants, shops, or small businesses. On the surface, it seems like they’ve made it. They show off their success, flaunt their achievements, and become role models for those back home. But what often isn’t discussed is the dark side of this journey — the exploitation of workers through sponsorships and underpayment.  The Business of Sponsorships Sponsorship has become a business in itself. Restaurants and shops that hire international workers often promise the dream of PR, but in exchange, they pay them far less than what’s legal or fair. While these businesses claim they are offering opportu...

आज के दौर में जब रासायनिक खेती पर्यावरण को नुकसान पहुँचा रही है और किसानों की आजीविका को खतरे में डाल रही है, ऐसे में शून्य बजट प्राकृतिक खेती (ZBNF) एक समग्र समाधान के रूप में उभर कर आई है। भारतीय कृषि वैज्ञानिक सुभाष पालेकर द्वारा विकसित यह विधि किसानों को बिना महंगे बाहरी इनपुट जैसे कि उर्वरक और कीटनाशकों के उपयोग के, प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के माध्यम से खेती करने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करती है। ZBNF के अंतर्गत भूमि की उर्वरता और उत्पादन क्षमता बढ़ाने के लिए खेत में उपलब्ध प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का उपयोग किया जाता है। ZBNF के चार प्रमुख सिद्धांत हैं: बीजामृत, जीवामृत, मल्चिंग और वाफ़सा। आइए इन तकनीकों को विस्तार से समझते हैं और देखते हैं कि ये सतत कृषि प्रणाली में कैसे योगदान देती हैं। 1. बीजामृत: बीजों को प्राकृतिक संरक्षण बीजामृत एक प्राकृतिक घोल है जिसका उपयोग बीजों को बोने से पहले किया जाता है। यह घोल **गाय का गोबर, गोमूत्र, और चुना** मिलाकर बनाया जाता है। बीजामृत का उपयोग बीजों को मिट्टी और बीज जनित रोगों से बचाने के लिए किया जाता है। यह प्राचीन पद्धति न केवल बीजों के अंकुरण को...