A prosperous Punjab hurts Radio Pakistan

Ferozepur (Punjab), June 20 : By listening to the Punjabi Durbar programme, one gets an idea that the broadcasters at the radio station seem to be upset that the farmers in Punjab have become wealthy by adopting modern farming techniques.

The radio station is putting out programmes that the rich farmers of Punjab are now a worried lot. Their prosperity has resulted in the young people of the area taking to drugs. Many have, if you believe the broadcasts, are addicted to drugs.

The farmers are aware that their prosperity has been the result of the hard work put in by the youngsters, who have been keen to learn modern farming techniques. They are annoyed that the Punjabi Durbar programme is trying to badmouth the young people, alleging that they are getting addicted to drugs.

Residents in the State's Ferozepur district want the radio station to disseminate the truth.

"In fact, the farmers and villagers in Indian Punjab are becoming wealthy by adopting modern farming techniques. The young people are availing of job opportunities and also becoming self-reliant by adopting many self-help schemes," said Harmaljeet Singh, a young farmer.

"We have heard that Pakistan is against the people of Punjab. Now we are convinced," he added.

"In our side of Punjab, there is a famous saying that one should look in to one's own affairs first. Through radio and newspaper we came to know that the young generation of Pakistan are taking to drugs and terrorism. To compare their own people with people of Indian Punajb is totally wrong," said the farmer.

The young generation of Punjab after getting educated is giving priority to agriculture. Along with agriculture they are also doing fish farming and poultry and earning big profits.

Gurdeep Singh, one farmer, said: "The government of India and Pakistan should sit together and prevent such a propaganda that targets and misleads the youth. The young generation of Punjab is quite cultured and hard working. In fact, we also wish that the young generation in Pakistan do not take the to the wrong path."

ANI