Punjabi people have always been known for their deep pride in their land and culture. Yet, more and more of them are leaving Punjab. Why? Are they trapped in double standards, or is it all about showing off rather than seeking true satisfaction?
Punjab has always been about agriculture. Many families own land, which provides them with a comfortable living. But over time, lifestyles have changed. Weddings, for example, have become massive, expensive events, often exceeding what people can afford. It's no longer about a simple celebration—it's about outdoing others. People take out huge loans to fund extravagant weddings, feeding hundreds of guests, only to face financial consequences later. When the bank comes knocking, the reality of their financial choices hits home.
In Punjab, there’s also a social hierarchy. Many consider themselves upper class and refuse to engage in what they see as "low-level" jobs, like running a food stall or opening a grocery store. These jobs are seen as beneath them, even if it could help them financially. When things spiral out of control and debt piles up, the only option left for many is to move abroad, where no one judges them for the jobs they take up. Ironically, the same people who wouldn’t dream of doing certain jobs in India end up working those jobs abroad, all for money.
Once abroad, Punjabi people often abandon the cultural practices they were so proud of in India. Weddings that once cost a fortune in Punjab are now held in small, simple party halls, with minimal spending. Despite earning good money abroad, they live modest lives, working long hours, while maintaining a show-off lifestyle back in India. They build huge houses in Punjab, but only visit once every few years, living in small apartments or houses abroad. It’s a cycle—working hard abroad to maintain an image in India.
What’s baffling is the contradiction. Back home, Punjabis had a comfortable life, but their mindset couldn’t accept simplicity. Instead, they chased after material success and status, ultimately ruining what they had. Now, many live difficult, exhausting lives abroad, working 9-5 or even harder, while still trying to show off in India. What happened to their culture, their pride? Where did it all go?
The problem isn’t India—it’s the mindset. In the Western world, people live within their means. They don’t splurge on extravagant weddings or spend beyond their capacity just to impress others. They focus on a balanced, simple life. But in Punjab, the pressure to maintain an image drives people to financial ruin. Despite struggling, they continue to have big weddings and many children, without considering the consequences. Poverty and debt only deepen, passing on the same hardships to future generations.
Punjabi people had a good life in India, a life that many dream of. But greed, societal pressure, and the desire to show off took them down a different path. Moving abroad didn’t magically solve their problems. The same struggles continue in foreign lands, but now they’re masked behind an image of success. The real answer lies in living a simple, contented life—one that avoids unnecessary debt and pressure. Instead of chasing after status and material possessions, focusing on true happiness could be the way forward. Because, no matter where you go, running from your problems won’t make them disappear.