The Punjab paradox: understanding the failures of Diaspora engagement

Abstract

Punjabi Diaspora is one of the oldest of the ‘free’ Indian regional Diasporas with a history of over 125 years. Given this long history it would not be surprising to learn that it is economically, socially and politically well positioned in its host countries. Further, although globally dispersed, it is predominantly located in the three economically advanced countries of the USA, the UK and Canada, thereby enhancing its potential to play a significant role in homeland development. Yet despite this, compared to other regional Diasporas, it continues to have a troubled, almost Janus-type relationship, with the Punjab state. This is reflected in the lack of a constructive engagement between them, with both Diaspora communities and state governments continuing to make hollow promises. The paper explores the reasons behind the failure in developing a constructive engagement, focusing on the socio-economic characteristics of the Punjabi Diaspora and the nature of Punjab's as well as India's outreach policies. It is argued that recent trends in the evolution of overseas Punjabi communities and nature of the economic and political environment in Punjab act as formidable barriers towards building a partnership for development. It does seem paradoxical, especially in the context of current debates on the Diaspora-development nexus, that despite being once the most prosperous state in India with a rich and vibrant Diaspora, Punjab should still continue to slide down the economic league table of Indian states.