In an inspiring turn of events, a young man who had the world at his feet chose to return home, not for comfort or convenience, but for commitment and community.
Sukhmandeep Singh, once a resident of Australia with hopes of permanent residency and a promising future overseas, is now headed to the chalkboards of a government school in the remote border village of Mahale Ke in Amritsar’s Chogawan block. On Tuesday, he was formally appointed as a government school teacher by District Education Officer (Elementary), Kanwaljit Singh.
But the journey to this moment was far from smooth.
Sukhmandeep began his pursuit in 2020, when he appeared for the entrance exam to join the Punjab government’s teaching workforce. Though he cleared the exam, bureaucratic delays stalled the recruitment process. With no clarity on the horizon, he left for Australia in 2022 to pursue higher education and, if all went well, permanent residency. For many, that would have been the end of the chapter. But for Sukhmandeep, it was just an intermission.
“When I learned I had been selected as a teacher, I didn’t think twice. I left everything in Australia and flew back immediately,” he said. In a symbolic move that underscores his urgency and dedication, he went straight from the airport in Rajasansi to the District Education Office to collect his appointment letter.
“I always dreamed of serving Punjab. Though I had to take a detour, my heart never left home. My love for our land, our language, and our culture pulled me back,” Sukhmandeep added.
His decision comes at a time when countless youth from Punjab are seeking opportunities abroad, often investing lakhs in student visas or immigration schemes. Many return disillusioned, burdened by debt and dashed dreams. Sukhmandeep’s story, however, shines a light on the road less travelled.
“His return is not just a personal milestone—it’s a beacon for others,” said DEO Kanwaljit Singh. “While many youths are looking to leave the country, here is someone who came back to serve. This is the kind of story we want to see more of.”
He also noted that the Education Department is committed to transparent, merit-based recruitment. “We’re seeing a positive trend—youth leaving lucrative jobs abroad and joining the teaching profession. We hope Sukhmandeep’s journey inspires many more to return and invest their talent here.”
With his appointment now official, Sukhmandeep will soon begin teaching at the Government Elementary School in Mahale Ke, a small village nestled along the international border. But for this young teacher, it’s not about where he teaches—it’s about why.
In his own words: “You don’t need to go far to find purpose. Sometimes, it’s right where you started.”
