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Punjab Today
Besides giving the reader a general introduction of the state, the book also gives him or her a detail of its natural resources and a brief profile of its 17 districts. Connecting important places with the rich history of the Sikhs further enhances its value. The physiography of Punjab and topography of its districts is also worth reading. The research is well supported with maps and illustrations and an attempt has been made to analyse the variation in state income. The chapter concerning the various dimensions of human resource development not only suggests how to develop the education and health infrastructure in Punjab, but also focuses on the age-structure, sex-composition, rural-urban divide, growth of population etc. The authors discuss the dismal sex ratio in one of the most developed states of the country. They applaud the directive of the five priests of the Akal Takht forbidding the killing of the girl child. They have termed the crime as unpardonable. The authors have apprised the community and the government of the consequences of the falling sex ratio. With the Green Revolution, the agriculture pattern has shown rapid changes. New technology and better irrigation has led to farmers adopting new methods of cultivation. The occupational pattern has changed and the authors also concentrate on the pattern of industrialisation and the role of the state government in spreading this sector. Infrastructure has been analysed in great detail and conclusions on development have been given in the end. The book is well written and a lot of research has gone into compiling it. It is the latest book to hit the market regarding all aspects of the state and how these contribute in the progress of the country. Fairs of the Punjab: A Semiological Analysis Harinder Kaur. Harman Publishing House, Delhi. Pages 151. Rs 640. It is the fairs that rerlect the customs, culture and the way of living of the people, but the study of these needs a keen eye for detail. Harinder Kaur gives an interesting account of three fairs of Punjab: Chhapar da Mela in Ludhiana district, Maghi da Mela at Muktsar and Maisar Khane da in the district of Mansa. She traces the different folklores associated with these fairs. Besides explaining the importance of the fair, she also describes in detail what goes on around the site of the fair. The devotion of the people, their offerings, their aspirations, all have been discussed. A vivid picture is given of the preparation for the fair, both by the hosts and the guests of the village. The role of women and how they are not allowed to take part in certain rituals is also told. The various beliefs associated with the mari (Gugga’s Temple) are also mentioned. The text is supported by colourful illustrations of the fairs. The glossary at the end gives English equivalents of Punjabi words. Harinder has tried to bring to the fore the muted voice of togetherness hidden under the entertainment during the fairs. The author believes that
the "fair represents a cultural zone", so she tells us that
2,027 fairs are held annually in Punjab. The attraction of the book is
its unique subject. Browsing through this book gives you the feel of a
bygone era, where innocence and simple forms of entertainment was not
only a mode of enjoyment, but also a medium of expression for the
simple, rural people. |
PUNJAB
is an important border state, and with an agricultural dominated
economy, it only retains its status. The industrial sector, which got a
late start, has gathered speed since the birth of the new Punjab in
1966. The authors say that their aim is to "study the problems of
development of the Punjab economy in detail" so that it can
focusing the attention of policy makers on ground realities.