Punjab

Punjab, Land of Five Rivers, is my state. Period, no two bones about it. One might fight about it, its dismal state. It has the worst record for alcohol use, drug abuse and a rampant blatant in your eye feticide problem that is threatening to askew the sex ratio in the state.  We can talk ourselves hoarse about the situation that is spiraling out of control, the economy which has sunk in a quagmire and will never come out of it, a debt which has stifled the coming generations, an issue that for the first time saw the rise of another break away party. It has tried to awaken the sleeping conscience of the people, but that is another story for another day.

The state continues to surprise one; we still achieve the highest output in wheat collections, putting everyone in their place. We, as a state are at the same time brash loud, out spoken and opinionated and OTT but nobody comes close to the character we have. Ready to jump in to help anyone, ready to defend! And then comes along a practice which is akin to us only Langar.

Ok! Now I can hear the groans and you think she starts with a religious sermon. Its nothing like this, just a simple plain good feeling that affirms my faith in humanity and makes me proud. Langar, open to one and all without any discrimination to caste creed, or one’s status. The humble offering unified and served by Hindus Sikhs together is a testament to the unity. Satyamev Jayate needs to learn from this, show positivity, we all have enough negativity that bogs us and brings us down; we need positive aspects of humanity to shine through. Aamir Khan , respect on your endeavor and your research to highlight the ugly sordid side of my state and its failings but you know we do have some great pluses. Show those too paint us gently. We all need a little re-affirmation here and there.

Some NRI brethren say that the West also has the soup kitchens so started by the Churches but they are only started by the affluent set by donations. Nowhere, do we have this practice of opening doors to one and all with no segregation. It started by our Gurus, adopted by all Punjabis everywhere in the world, in happiness, disaster, in relief operations, if there is a Punjabi he or she will open doors with food. Yes we are gluttons too and we proudly admit it, in fact food is a great conversation leveler.

Punjab, and its indomitable spirit shows itself in the practice of offering food, to anyone without asking whether one is homeless, or is needy or is poor or rich? Just enter and be seated in line and eat food prepared with seva and devotion. I had an experience yesterday with this, and my faith in humanity got re-affirmed . What about you ?

Ye cynics of no faith, embrace ….