A question to Captain saheb

Ankush Mahajan

SO tell me where shall I go, to the right where nothing is left or to the left where nothing is right?’ The question is disturbing because life is full of dilemma. People come and go, governments change, a party changes its manifesto and even agendas are changed. What remains unchanged is the plight of every hard-working man: the endless struggle which makes life shorter and harder to live. Freedom is natural and the right of every individual, but directly or indirectly, our freedom is being snatched. Being a young lad, I have many dreams... hope and enthusiasm to face every difficulty boldly. But the time has changed and changed drastically. This letter is not for gaining sympathy or praise for my bold words, but to present my despair. 

I am born in a ‘general’ caste, which is, at the moment, a curse. Our family business is fully dependent upon the crusher industry which is on the verge of closure; and the labour that gets free atta-dal, free education for their children, free cycles, shagun scheme, and much more. What is the need to work when they have all the benefits? The business class pays taxes, struggles with labour as well as different government departments. 

I have a master’s degree in English. My father wanted me to get a job, not because we need huge amounts of money, but because he didn’t want me to suffer the way he did. I tried my best. Not only in college, but also university, I attained a position. I wanted to be a PCS officer, but could do nothing because after 2014, no exam was held. So, I went to a few colleges with my resume. I was called for interview, but every time, I had to face rejection as I had applied for a part-time job. Being the only son, I have many responsiblities. And our government has blessed us with the great gift of GST. The college management pays Rs 10,000 to candidates, I was a part-timer, so was offered Rs 3,000. With all the odds against me, I agreed, but again, I faced refusal because they had more female faculty in their institution. I have struggled on with patience, but am getting nothing. I just need an answer from our honourable Chief Minister of Punjab and the Prime Minister: where shall I go? Who will consider my plight? One can face rejection, but not discrimination. This discrimination is from all sides. The youth want to work hard and earn our livelihood honestly. There are many who are facing the same situation. They choose either drugs or suicide. People keep silent, a hot debate ensues, and later nothing happens. 

Captain Amarinder Singh gave a full-fledged reply in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ column in The Tribune when his government was put under the lens for its work. Now, how will Captain saheb respond, when a normal student, a son and a common citizen of his state asks a question about his life?