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Transforming Punjab,
One Village At A Time

I P SINGH

 

 

 





Jalandhar, Punjab

With an ultra-modern gymnasium, a sewage treatment plant, properly built roads, a separate storm water and sludge sewerage system, absence of filthy ponds, potable drinking water supply and other facilities, Sanghe Khalsa village in the Jalandhar district of Punjab has scripted a new success story with the active involvement of Sikhs from the diaspora, in partnership with the government of Punjab.

A village near Nurmahal with a population of 700, Sanghe Khalsa has all modern civic amenities. It was around a decade ago when departing from the usual practice of Punjab villages to construct a memorial gate in the name of their forefathers at the entry of village, a few diasporic Sikhs decided to construct a gymnasium to channelize energy of the youth.

Now this gymnasium with modern equipments is catering to the needs of youths from nearby villages. Trainers paid by Sikhs from abroad impart world-class training to the youths at the gym.

Nirmal Singh, who was among those who conceived the development projects in the village, said that after the state government came up with a partnership scheme for development of villages, Dikhs in the diaspora who hail from this village came forward to develop their villages on priority and constituted an overseas committee for this purpose. They said that the election of this overseas committee was held every year on Maghi and the eldest member of the committee was unanimously elected its president.

He said that after the formation of the committee, a primary school in the village with only one teacher was renovated and facilities like separate toilets for students and staff, computer lab, hygienic mid-day meal and others were provided.

"The overseas Sikhs not only gave funds but also their land to enable the school campus to expand. Likewise, they also employed teachers at their own expenses to ensure that students of the village get uninterrupted education," he said.

A big pond spreading over six kanaal land in the centre of village was transformed into a park and sewage system was laid in the village and later a STM was also set up and the treated water was being supplied to farmers for irrigation.

Rain water harvesting system has also been laid and now an indoor sports stadium is also being set up, in addition to installing CCTV cameras in the village. The first concrete and brick house of the village was constructed in 1941, and has now been preserved as 'Heritage House' of the village.

The Deputy Commissioner said that if any Sikhs from abroad comes forward to develop their villages on these lines, the district administration would ensure full support and cooperation to them.


[Courtesy: Times of India. Edited for sikhchic.com]
October 24, 2017
 

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One Village At A Time"









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