From Australia to Amritsar: Sukhmandeep Singh Chooses Service Over Settlement Abroad

• Apr 3, 2025

Sukhmandeep Singh's journey back to Punjab is more than just a homecoming—it’s a powerful statement of dedication and purpose. Leaving behind the promise of a lucrative life and a potential permanent residency in Australia, he has returned to serve as a government school teacher in the rural border belt of Chogawan in Amritsar district.

Sukhmandeep’s aspirations to serve his home state date back to 2020, when he appeared for the entrance exam for government school teachers. Despite clearing the test, the recruitment process faced delays, leaving him in limbo. In 2022, like many others, he moved to Australia for higher education and the hope of building a stable future abroad.

However, fate had different plans. The long-awaited opportunity came knocking when the Punjab education department resumed the recruitment process. Without hesitation, Sukhmandeep booked his ticket back home. In a remarkable display of commitment, he went straight from the airport in Rajasansi to the District Education Office to collect his appointment letter.

He has now been posted at Government Elementary School, Mahale Ke—a village nestled along the Indo-Pak border in Chogawan block.

District Education Officer (Elementary), Kanwaljit Singh, who handed him the appointment letter, praised Sukhmandeep’s decision, saying, “At a time when Punjab’s youth are eagerly looking to settle abroad, his return stands out as a shining example. He gave up a secure path to permanent residency in Australia to serve his people. We are doing everything we can to encourage such youth to stay and help build Punjab’s future.”

Reflecting on his journey, Sukhmandeep said, “I always wanted to serve as a government official. Though circumstances took me abroad, my love for Punjab, its culture, and its language brought me back. I hope more young people realize that there is life and opportunity here too. We must stop chasing foreign dreams at the cost of losing ourselves.”

His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and a deep-rooted connection to one’s homeland.