Palahi: Model of development, but not immune to migration

Palahi village, nestled between Hoshiarpur Road and GT Road, just 3 km from the bustling Phagwara city, has become a symbol of modern infrastructure and community development. Despite boasting state-of-the-art facilities, including solar street lights with underground cables, a community polytechnic, an acoustic-effect community hall, a football academy, and a sewage treatment plant, the village has not been immune to the trend of migration.

With a population of over 8,800 residents, more than 70 percent of the families in Palahi have migrated abroad, with many living in countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the UAE. As a result, over 70 percent of the houses are locked, with only caretakers looking after 10 percent of the properties.

The latest project in the village involves the installation of underground cables for the street lighting system, a step that ensures the area remains modern and efficient, according to Sarpanch Balwinder Kaur and Market Committee Phagwara Chairman Tavinder Kumar.

To engage the youth and keep them away from drugs, the village has established the Shri Guru Har Rai Football Academy, where international football player Balwinder Singh is training 50 to 60 young people in two large playgrounds. Thanks to Rs 5 lakh grant from District Planning Board Chairperson Lalita Saklani, solar lights have been installed on these fields, enabling practice sessions even in the late evening.

In a further step towards environmental sustainability, Palahi, along with neighbouring villages like Barna, Kishangarh and Khangura, is benefiting from Rs 6.5 crore water treatment plant initiated by former PPCB Chairman Manpreet Chhatwal. The plant provides water for irrigation purposes to these four villages.

Palahi stands as a model for rural development with its near-complete sewage system, free of charge for the residents, and nearly 90 percent of homes equipped with toilets. The village is well-connected with seven link roads to surrounding towns.

The foundation of Palahi’s remarkable growth can be attributed to the late Sarpanch Jagat Singh Palahi, who worked tirelessly to transform it into a model village.

In recognition of its achievements, the village was adopted by the Punjab State Human Rights Commission as a “Human Rights Village.” Additionally, Palahi has partnered with Cambridge University in London, UK, to offer IT and ICT courses, while its polytechnic school offers specialised training. The village showcases a park, an ATM, a water treatment pond, and a century-old mosque—remarkable features contributing to its unique identity.

Tree to village: HOW Palahi GOT ITS name

Retired Principal of the Community Polytechnic Centre, Gurmit Palahi, revealed that the village got its name from the ‘Palah’ trees, which once grew in abundance here centuries ago. These deciduous trees are known for their bright, flame-coloured flowers, which likely inspired the village’s name. He also mentioned that the village holds historical significance as two Sikh Gurus, Guru Hargobind and Guru Har Rai, visited the area. Guru Har Rai is said to have planted a sapling here. Additionally, the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Teg Bahadur, was born in this village, where he was christened as Guru Teg Bahadur. His birth name was Tyag Mal.