AMRITSAR: The School of Social Sciences at Guru Nanak Dev University hosted a deeply insightful and thought-provoking seminar titled “Migration Story of Punjab: Past and Present” under the esteemed patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Karamjeet Singh.
The event, held on March 6, 2025, provided a critical platform for scholars, policymakers, and migration experts to come together and discuss the multifaceted causes of migration from Punjab, its socio-economic implications, and the evolving trends of migration from the state.
The seminar commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting session, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of knowledge. The opening ceremony was graced by Vice Chancellor Dr. Karamjeet Singh, Prof. Anjali Mehra (Director of the Seminar), Prof. B.S. Ghuman (Former Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala), and Dr. Gian Singh (Retd. Professor, Punjabi University, Patiala), who participated in the traditional lighting of the lamp. This symbolic act set the tone for a day filled with reflective discussions on the pressing issue of migration.
Following the inauguration, Prof. Anjali Mehra, the Director of the Seminar, delivered a warm welcome address.
The inaugural session was marked by a series of powerful speeches, with the keynote address delivered by Dr. Gian Singh, a former professor at Punjabi University, Patiala, who has extensively researched the socio-economic effects of migration. Prof. B.S. Ghuman and Dr. Karamjeet Singh also shared their thoughts, emphasizing the need for academic discourse to address Punjab’s migration challenges. The session ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. G.S. Bajwa, the organizing secretary of the seminar.
In his inaugural address, Vice Chancellor Dr. Karamjeet Singh posed a thought-provoking question to the students and attendees: “Is migration driven by choice or necessity?” He stressed the importance of critically analyzing this question to understand the root causes of migration and its socio-economic impacts on Punjab. Dr. Singh discussed the glorification of life abroad, particularly through social media, and emphasized the often overlooked harsh realities faced by migrants in foreign lands. He also touched on the growing issue of deportation among illegal migrants and highlighted the prominence of Punjab in this regard.
Dr. Singh’s address also addressed several key points to help mitigate the negative effects of migration. These included:
1. Strengthening Local Opportunities for Students – Dr. Singh urged the university to create more avenues for student development and growth within Punjab itself.
2. Skills Development for Punjabi Youth – Emphasizing the importance of equipping the youth with market-relevant skills, he called for an alignment between education and employment opportunities.
3. Promoting Entrepreneurship and Industry Collaboration – Dr. Singh stressed the importance of encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives and fostering collaboration with industries to create job opportunities.
4. Work Ethic and Dignity of Labour– He highlighted the need to imbibe a strong work ethic among the youth, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Guru Nanak.
5. Return Migration Opportunities – Dr. Singh suggested policies to promote return migration, focusing on supporting returnees with entrepreneurial opportunities and reforms that could help them reintegrate into Punjab’s economy.
6. Research and Infrastructure Funding – Finally, he called for improved funding for academic research and enhanced infrastructure to build a stronger foundation for academic excellence.
Dr. Singh concluded his address with a powerful message: “Follow the values of Guru Nanak, uphold integrity, and work with cooperation and dedication, as it is ultimately your character that defines you.”
Dr. Gian Singh, the keynote speaker, built on these themes by presenting his research on migration trends in rural Punjab. His study, titled “Socio-economic and Demographic Analysis of International Migration from Rural Punjab: A Case Study of Patiala District, ” provided a comprehensive overview of the migration patterns in the state, focusing on three major regions: Majha, Doaba, and Malwa. The research, based on primary data collected from 296 international migrants belonging to 207 rural households. His research identified several key drivers of migration, including unemployment, peer pressure, the desire for better living conditions, and the pursuit of economic opportunities. His study also noted that migration surged significantly after 2014, with destinations such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Italy being the most preferred.
Prof. B.S. Ghuman presented a more balanced view of the migration issue. While acknowledging the hardships migrants face, he pointed out the need to address Punjab’s internal challenges, which contribute to the migration crisis.
He further highlighted several push factors driving migration from Punjab, including high unemployment rates, a disconnect between education and job market demands, rising drug abuse, and declining prospects in agriculture.
He also identified pull factors, such as education systems aligned with job market needs, high-paying jobs, strong social security, and an overall better quality of life in destination countries.
To address these issues, he proposed policy reforms, including aligning education with industry demands, ensuring market-driven employment opportunities, offering competitive salaries in the private sector.
The seminar continued with Academic Session-I, chaired by Dr. Jagroop Singh Sekhon, where esteemed scholars such as Dr. Sukhdev Singh Sohal, Dr. R.S. Sandhu, and Dr. Damanjit Sandhu presented research on the historical, sociological, and psychological dimensions of migration from Punjab. This session provided deeper insights into how migration has evolved over the years and its lasting effects on the socio-cultural fabric of the region.
After the lunch break, a panel discussion titled “Migration from Punjab: A Reality Check” was moderated by Dr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon. Panelists, including Dr. Amarjit Singh Sidhu, Dr. Lakhvinder Singh Johal, Advocate Anup Aggarwal, and Mr. Nishant Khanna, addressed contemporary migration trends and the legal complexities surrounding immigration. This session offered a comprehensive analysis of migration, focusing on its impact on both the state and its people.
The seminar concluded with a valedictory address by Prof. B.S. Ghuman, who reiterated the need for solutions that balance both the push and pull factors driving migration. Prof. Anjali Mehra, the Head of the School of Social Sciences, delivered the vote of thanks, bringing the event to a successful close.
The seminar served as an important platform for fostering academic discourse on migration and its implications for Punjab’s future. It emphasized the need for actionable policy interventions and solutions to address the challenges posed by migration, which continues to shape the socio-economic landscape of the state. The discussions highlighted the importance of developing strategies that not only manage migration but also create sustainable opportunities within Punjab to reduce the dependency on foreign migration.