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Comment by lazydon | Hacker News Reader

Wow, I know it doesn't sounds very mature, but to see this article and comments on HN, really make me feel happy and proud to be a Sikh.

But, alas Sikh's own state of Punjab is nowhere close to successes of the community all over the world. It's a great tragedy.

The state of Punjab once a pioneer in green revolution and the richest in India is now being looted by dynasty politics and corruption. The state of things is so bad that people don't even want to visit back the place. Sometimes, we wonder if that's the key for our current success everywhere but in our own home.

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Part of the problem is that drug addiction has reached staggering proportions in Punjab.

Drug addiction is not the cause but one of the symptoms of being ruled by a dynasty

Well, this particular dynasty :)

In any case, it's part of a feedback loop with increasing unemployment and increasing crime.

Yep. This dynasty is special in many ways. Taking one of the best states in India and bringing it to the knees.

My cousin tells me that the leader is corrupt and might have more money than our richest people. I am unsure if this is true.

I hope, perhaps naively, that maybe AAP have a chance to root out that particular dynasty. I remember they polled pretty well at the last election but am not sure how things worked out on the ground afterwards.

As a member of the diaspora I wonder what more can be done from the outside?

Can you elaborate on the drug addiction you've alluded to? Alcohol? Opiates? I'm interested in learning more about Punjab, which is why I ask.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/world/asia/drug-addiction-...

Both! Many villages are now fighting to stop opening up of Wine shops (some small villages have one school and 3-4 wine shops!). It is said that the corrupt elements in Punjab Govt. get a cut for every wine shop opened in Punjab. They also own most of the bus network.

Just saw this article: http://www.indiaspend.com/cover-story/indias-soaring-drug-pr...

As kjsingh says, it's both. Expand the list to any kind of high: prescription painkillers, Iodex, even lizards: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Drunkards-...

My grandfather was murdered in Punjab, and my cousin who moved here who lived in Punjab for 18 years would rather be called American and moved on immediately. Rule of law is necessary for market activity, the problem is we seem to have moved away from respect of rule of law recently.

Just thought I would mention. Also a Sikh descendant who is a part of the diaspora happily living in Anglo-derived culture and also an atheist.

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