Sikhs belong to India, not just Punjab

I decided to pursue journalism while still in college, and that too from the IIMC (Indian Institute of Mass Communication), New Delhi. Luckily, I have been able to clear the IIMC’s entrance exam and secure admission. This has given me the opportunity to stay in Dil walon ki Dilli.

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This is the first time I have lived anywhere outside my home state of Jammu and Kashmir. The experience has been wonderful.

I have often wondered who is actually a Dilliwala as here in the capital of India you find people from every corner of the country who have made this city their home.

Delhi has a much larger population than its capacity area-wise, and despite the pollution, traffic jams and many other problems, it still goes on. The best thing about living here is the IIMC’s location. Situated within the JNU campus, it is surrounded by lush greenery of Sanjay Van. The wooded area offers tranquillity and peace despite being situated in Delhi.

Many times, I wake up to the sounds of peacocks and other birds, and if I am lucky, even the sight of a peacock.

Travelling in metro is a boon; otherwise, the costly rickshaws will rip anyone off. Overall, the people are kind — not rude, like we often hear mistakenly.

There is another mistaken belief that I have to often hear and bear — of me being a Punjabi. Because I am a Sikh, I haven’t found a single person who didn’t consider me a Punjabi. It is something new for me, as I never have to face this back home. Almost everyone here has been like, “Oh, I thought you are from Punjab.”

And I don’t feel bad about it. I just think people should be aware that there are Sikhs in other parts of India also, and should know that not every Sikh is a Punjabi.

I am from Jammu and Kashmir, and my family has been living there for generations. Most people don’t know that there is a good number of Sikh population in Jammu and Kashmir which is native to that place.

I am really proud of the place where I come from. I just hope people realise someday that Sikhs belong to India and not just Punjab.

Amanpreet Singh, Jammu/New Delhi