ABSTRACT
This chapter briefly examines the characteristics of overseas Punjabis (OPs) and their attachment to home places having implications for their involvement in development in Punjab. It assesses the impact of OPs on the socio-economic life and suggestions are made to better realise the potential of this source of rural development. The chapter discusses the characteristics of OPs and their links with home places, the section following dealing with changing patterns of emigration, remittances and social investments. It evaluates their impact on home places and looks at possible mechanisms for the sustainability of OP sponsored projects. The experience of a number of village communities suggests that sustainable, long-term development of a community has to be centred on local initiatives complimented by OPs’ contributions. OPs can make a significant contribution to the modernisation of rural areas by transferring financial resources, technical know-how and modern attitudes.
