We find both the old and modem way of life in Punjab village. We see farmers working with the plough and also with
the tractor. Both the persian wheel and the tubewell can also be seen at work. In the same villages, we can see mud houses and pucca houses. A Punjab village has a primary or a middle school. In bigger village, we might see a high or higher schools or even colleges. Most village children study in the schools. Children of school-going age can also be seen wandering aimlessly in the village or grazing cattle. Though most of Punjab villages have been electrified, yet we can see some ' people making use of the earthen lamps or kerosene lamps.
But the old order is changing and giving place to the new. Most of the villages are connected with the towns by means of pucca roads. Buses and auto-rickshaws (tempos) ply between the village and the towns. We can take tonga and reach the villages where no buses go.
Our life in the village moves at a slow speed. Previously, village used to be nurseries of old customs and traditions. But now their is new awareness in the villages. Some villages have become prosperous. But there are many poor people in the countryside. Our government is devoting its attention to the development of the villages on the modem lines. Luxury goods like costly furniture, dining tables, tea-sets, radio-sets and television-sets are finding their way into the villages. They have become articles of necessity even in villages. Guests are
I entertained with right refreshments instead of the vitamin-rich milk, desi ghee, lassi and butter. But in the villages on petty issues, many of the villagers can be seen in the courts.
The Punjab villages still retain its old character, village banyan tree and exchange their thoughts on problems facing
them. These old ways have a charm of their own. Much is left to be desired. The standard of living of the villagers in not upto the mark. All amenities of modem life are not available to them. There are no industries in the villages. Panchayats have not done much to improve the conditions of the villages. But village life is free from the hurry and worry of city life.
