Real of the Reel: A Million Dollars Journey from Punjab

An attempt has been made in this paper to analyse the patterns of migration from Punjab to the West by linking it with the political and economic history of Punjab. A special emphasis has been made to reflect the present crisis and the historical pattern of Punjabis migration to west. The pathetic condition of the deserted wives of NRIs and the illegal routes adopted by the Punjabi youth due to the non-availability of the visas and work permit have also been discussed. The failure of green revolution, the rise of political corruption, the spread of drugs and nexus between the politicians and the drug mafia, unemployment etc. in the post – militancy Punjab has been linked with the migration of Punjabis to the West. A special emphasis is also given to the politics of populism and the mobilisation of voters on the non –developmental issue in the post militancy Punjab.