Indian Roots

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 ...

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...

Australia's Job Ready Program (JRP) is often lauded as a pathway for skilled workers to secure employment and residency. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that this program exploits migrants rather than genuinely supporting their integration into the workforce. Here’s how the JRP creates an unnecessarily complex and stressful environment for both applicants and employers. 1. Complex and Lengthy Process The JRP entails a convoluted four-step assessment process designed to evaluate a migrant's skills. While assessments may be necessary, the complexity of the system creates unnecessary hurdles. Applicants face prolonged waiting periods, which can jeopardize their financial stability as they await approval to work in their field. This lengthy timeline can delay employment opportunities and leave skilled workers in precarious situations. 2. Video Demonstrations For Remote One of the most absurd requirements of the JRP is the expectation for skilled wor...

Australia's new subclass 462 Working Holiday visa for India has been introduced with much fanfare. As per the official line, this initiative is portrayed as an "opportunity" for Indians to explore the country while working to support their stay. However, when we peel back the layers of this arrangement, it becomes clear that Australia stands to benefit far more from the system than it lets on, while Indian applicants are left grappling with a deeply flawed and exploitative process. 1.Lottery System: A Sign of Manipulation Australia's decision to implement a lottery-based system for selecting 1,000 Indians per year to apply for this visa is concerning. With India's massive population, this process reduces a significant, life-changing decision to sheer luck. By randomly selecting applicants, Australia not only controls the flow but keeps many hopefuls in a perpetual state of anticipation. This creates a frenzy of competition, turning a visa application i...

16 सितंबर 2024 को भारत ने आधिकारिक रूप से ऑस्ट्रेलिया के Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) वीज़ा प्रोग्राम में शामिल होकर 50वां पार्टनर देश बन गया। यह समझौता ऑस्ट्रेलिया-भारत आर्थिक सहयोग और व्यापार समझौता (AI-ECTA) के तहत किया गया है। 1 अक्टूबर 2024 से, पात्र भारतीय नागरिक एक नए बैलट सिस्टम के माध्यम से इस वीज़ा के लिए आवेदन करने का मौका प्राप्त कर सकेंगे, जिससे उन्हें एक साल तक ऑस्ट्रेलिया में रहने, काम करने और घुमने का अवसर मिलेगा। ज्यादा मांग वाले देशों के लिए नया Lottrey सिस्टम Work and Holiday वीज़ा की बढ़ती मांग को देखते हुए, ऑस्ट्रेलियाई सरकार ने ज्यादा मांग वाले देशों जैसे कि भारत, चीन और वियतनाम के लिए प्री-एप्लिकेशन बैलट सिस्टम पेश किया है। यह सिस्टम पात्र पासपोर्ट धारकों को पंजीकरण करने की अनुमति देगा, और चुने गए प्रतिभागियों को वीज़ा आवेदन करने का अवसर मिलेगा।  18 से 30 साल के भारतीय पासपोर्ट धारकों के लिए यह एक रोमांचक अवसर है। इस प्रोग्राम के तहत प्रत्येक वर्ष अधिकतम 1,000 भारतीय नागरिकों को वीज़ा प्रदान किया जाएगा। सफल आवेदक ऑस्ट्रेलिया में अपनी यात्रा के दौरान अल्पका...

In recent years, we've seen a significant trend of Punjabis moving abroad, often in search of a better life. Many dream of escaping the challenges of their home country, envisioning a brighter future filled with opportunities and success. However, as we analyze this phenomenon, it's essential to question whether this migration truly represents progress or merely an illusion of improvement. The Western Dream For many Punjabis, the allure of the West is irresistible. The narrative often begins with the promise of higher wages in foreign lands, particularly in countries like Canada, the UK, and the USA. The idea is simple: earn in dollars, send money back home in rupees, and eventually, improve one’s status within the community back in Punjab. This dream has propelled countless individuals to leave behind their settled lives, hoping to create a better future for themselves and their families. The Reality Check However, the reality of living abroad can be starkly differ...

When I arrived in Brisbane from India in November 2013, I was taken aback by the city’s vibrancy and energy. Over nearly nine years, I closely observed its rapid growth and development, especially in terms of infrastructure. However, my move to Adelaide in 2022 revealed some surprising contrasts between the two cities. Here’s my take on living in Brisbane and Adelaide from an Indian perspective. 1. Weather Brisbane:  The weather in Brisbane is warm and humid, with a tropical feel that can leave you feeling sticky and sweaty throughout the year. Winters are almost non-existent, making it feel like summer most of the time. Adelaide : In contrast, Adelaide experiences a drier climate with less rainfall and distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, while summers bring dry heat. Indian Perspective : If you enjoy the heat and are accustomed to the humid climate of India, Brisbane might feel like home. However, if you prefer cooler weather with a change of seasons, Adelaide would be a ...

Introduction : Congratulations! You've received your Australian student visa. Now, you're probably thinking, "What next?" Perhaps you're considering who will guide you in Australia—your parents, a relative, or a friend who can help you get settled. You start making calls, reaching out to friends, telling them about your plans, hoping they'll sort things out for you. Watch My Full Video On YouTube Click Here In this blog post, I'll explain how you don’t need to rely on anyone for your initial setup. Instead, you can take control and settle yourself in Australia. 1. Get Your Indian Driver’s License** Before arriving in Australia, ensure you have an Indian driver’s license. It's important to learn driving properly in India because driving is essential for settling in Australia. You’ll need a valid license, not a makeshift one. Driving will be a significant asset, and without it, your transition will be challenging. 2. Finding Accommodation Aft...

In recent years, there's been an undeniable trend in Punjab – the desire to move abroad. Whether it’s for studies, work, or just the allure of a "better life," this migration fever has gripped our community. However, it’s crucial to pause and ask: is life abroad really as picture-perfect as it’s made out to be? Before the internet age, people in Punjab had little exposure to the outside world. They didn’t compare themselves to others so obsessively. But with the rise of social media, the narrative has shifted. Now, everyone is eager to showcase their success, especially when living abroad. Pictures of luxurious lifestyles, fancy cars, and foreign vacations dominate our feeds, creating an illusion that moving overseas is the golden ticket to happiness and success. But the reality is often far from what is shown online. Many of our people work extremely hard abroad, often doing jobs they would never consider doing back in India. Yet, on social media, they portray a life of ...

Many in the desi community dream of holding a foreign passport, seeing it as the key to a better life. The allure of a "stronger" passport, with the promise of more opportunities, fewer travel restrictions, and perhaps a higher status in society, often drives people to make the significant decision of giving up their Indian citizenship. But is it everything it’s made out to be? At first, the excitement of holding a new passport can feel liberating. For many, it’s a symbol of having "made it" in life—a milestone that represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and navigating the challenges of immigration. There’s a sense of pride in being able to call another country home, to belong to a place where you may have once been just a visitor. However, over time, the thrill can wear off. Reality sets in. The daily struggles of life—whether it’s paying bills, managing a work-life balance, or finding happiness—remain the same. The passport might provide new travel options or l...

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 job...

In recent years, the rental market across Australia has undergone a dramatic shift. For many, securing a rental property used to be a significant challenge, with fierce competition making it difficult to find a home. However, this trend has now reversed, revealing a new set of challenges for property owners. My Experience: From Struggling Tenant to Frustrated Landlord I’ve personally experienced this shift. A month ago, I listed two rooms for rent on Facebook Marketplace, anticipating a quick turnaround. In the past, finding a place to live was a struggle for me. I made numerous applications, only to face rejection repeatedly. The high demand for rental properties made it nearly impossible to secure a home. Now, with reduced visa numbers and a slowdown in population growth, finding tenants has become increasingly difficult. Despite my efforts to advertise the rooms, there has been little interest. The same market that once left me scrambling for a place to stay is now leaving me with v...