Diljit Dosanjh's ancestral village, Dosanjh Kalan, is grappling with an alarming issue of depopulation that reflects a broader trend affecting rural communities across the region. The picturesque village, once vibrant with activity, now stands in stark contrast with its numerous vacant homes. The once-bustling lanes are increasingly deserted, with nearly every other house bearing the telltale signs of abandonment.
The plight of Dosanjh Kalan has garnered attention recently following a visit by a news agency team, which brought to light the gravity of the situation. The village, known for its association with the celebrated Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh, is now facing a severe crisis as its younger generation relocates abroad in search of better prospects.
A Disappearing Village
Jaswinder Singh, a cousin of Diljit Dosanjh, elaborated on the circumstances contributing to the village's desolation. He remarked, "For several years, the residents of Dosanjh Kalan have been emigrating, leaving a significant portion of the village unoccupied. This trend began even before Diljit Dosanjh rose to fame and has continued unabated. Presently, every young person and child from the village has relocated overseas. At this rate, it seems inevitable that the village will soon be entirely deserted."
Singh further attributed the migration trend to the lack of domestic job opportunities. "If the government had facilitated employment within the country," he argued, "it might have mitigated the urge to move abroad. Unfortunately, this has not materialized. The entire state is witnessing a similar exodus, with both rural and urban populations moving overseas. This pattern threatens to render villages like Dosanjh Kalan entirely deserted."
Economic Factors Driving Migration
Usha, another resident of Dosanjh Kalan, highlighted the economic factors driving the migration trend. "Over half of the villagers have relocated abroad," she observed. "In Punjab, there are scant job opportunities and limited business prospects, which compels people to seek opportunities elsewhere. Most of the village homes are now locked, as the younger generation has moved with their families to foreign lands."
Gurmeet Singh, another local, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the disconnect between government assurances and reality. "The government frequently promises to address the issue of migration," he said, "yet there is little tangible change. The lack of job prospects here forces people to seek employment abroad, and once they establish themselves there, they seldom return."
