Empowering Change in Punjab: Key Takeaways from a Groundbreaking Panel Discussion

The recent Panel Discussion and Networking Session brought together thought leaders, innovators, diaspora members and community champions to address the critical challenges facing Punjab. With its economic and social landscape in decline, this transformative conversation focused on practical solutions to revitalize the region. From regenerative farming to educational innovation and women’s empowerment, the panel emphasized how collaboration, technology, and forward-thinking initiatives can turn Punjab into a global leader in sustainability and development.

Panelists:

Jasvir Gill: CEO of Alert Enterprise, influencer in the security convergence industry, and philanthropist supporting various Punjabi diaspora groups.

Sunny Singh: Founder of Round Glass, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Wellbeing Seeker,?Founder – Edifecs & Roundglass a global organization dedicated to holistic well-being and preventative care.

Ruby Deol, COO Alert Enterprise welcomed attendees by sharing her personal journey from a small village in Punjab to Silicon Valley, where she has worked to support the community through initiatives like Trakki, a project of Alert Enterprise. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be surrounded by passionate individuals dedicated to social impact. The panel was moderated by Neetu Jhaj, who opened the discussion with a personal story about her daughter’s desire to learn Punjabi, setting the tone for a deeper conversation on cultural preservation and its importance for future generations.

A Vision for Punjab's Revival

The discussion highlighted the urgent need for regenerative farming practices to tackle the region’s soil and water crises. A major step in this direction is the development of a model farm on 100 acres, which will showcase sustainable farming methods and serve as a prototype for future projects.

Equally important was the focus on education as a key driver of change. The panel proposed that Punjab could emerge as a hub for Generative AI, offering cutting-edge education to equip future generations with the skills necessary for tomorrow’s challenges. The goal is ambitious: to train one million children by 2035 through innovative Learn Labs and Sports Centers in thousands of schools across the state.

A strong emphasis was also placed on community partnerships. The discussion explored how collaboration with corporate stakeholders, philanthropic organizations, and the Punjabi diaspora can help raise millions of dollars to fuel development. Additionally, the empowerment of women was recognized as a central pillar of the transformation, with women already leading in sustainability and social impact efforts.

Key Takeaways and Action Points

The panel concluded with a clear call to action: it’s time for all of us to contribute to Punjab's transformation. By adopting regenerative farming practices, leveraging technology for education, and fostering real-time impact reporting tools, we can collectively help restore Punjab as a leading force in India and beyond.

Harnessing Technology for Transformation

The conversation centered around the multifaceted challenges facing Punjab, from agriculture to healthcare to education. Sunny Singh passionately argued for the adoption of regenerative farming to tackle ecological challenges such as soil degradation, water shortages, and the rising incidence of farmer suicides. He shared the success of a model farm that is already demonstrating the benefits of organic farming and sustainable agriculture in the region.

On the tech front, Jasvir Gill highlighted the transformative potential of Generative AI in education and beyond. His vision for Punjab as a global center for AI innovation parallels Switzerland’s reputation for banking. Gill shared success stories, including a project where village students created an app using Generative AI, demonstrating the power of technology to bridge gaps and empower youth.

Empowering the Next Generation

Education emerged as a major theme. Sunny Singh stressed the importance of investing in youth education to create lasting impact. He shared the success of Learn Labs, after-school programs that focus on developing critical life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and a global perspective. He believes that keeping children engaged in learning and sports can help prevent issues like drug abuse and build a generation of empowered young leaders.

Jasvir Gill also emphasized the role of AI and mentorship in enhancing educational outcomes. His team’s mentorship programs have already seen significant success, and the goal is to train one million children by 2030, creating a new wave of educated and tech-savvy youth.

Building Stronger Communities through Collaboration

The panelists highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to maximize impact. By breaking down silos and working together, the initiatives discussed during the event can achieve greater success. Sunny Singh stressed that trusted brands and platforms are essential to ensure that resources reach the right people. Partnerships with corporations, NGOs, and the government will be vital in driving sustainable change.

Women at the Forefront of Change

Another standout theme was women’s empowerment. Prakriti Poddar shared that 75% of the beneficiaries of their programs are women, many of whom are not just recipients of aid but also leaders driving change in their communities. She emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in sustainability and community development.

A Call to Action

The panelists concluded with a powerful call to action: the Punjabi diaspora and global community are uniquely positioned to support this transformation. Kaval Kaur, CFO Alert Enterprise concluded the session by urging attendees to contribute their time, expertise, and resources to help shape Punjab's future. She emphasized that preserving cultural heritage, empowering youth, and driving sustainable development must be collective goals for everyone involved.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Punjab

This panel discussion was a powerful reminder of the immense potential within the Punjabi community to create meaningful change. By harnessing the power of technology, innovation, education, and collaboration, we can help shape a brighter, more prosperous future for Punjab and its people. The visionary initiatives led by Sunny Singh and Jasvir Gill serve as a roadmap for how we can all contribute to this important journey.

Key Action Steps:

Support Roundglass Foundation’s efforts on the ground - #regenerative farming projects #The Billion Tree Project #youth development #women’s empowerment

Get involved with Learn Labs to educate and mentor youth

Empower women through leadership and sustainability roles

Engage with community partnerships to amplify impact

It’s time to act. Let’s work together to make Punjab a beacon of hope, sustainability, and progress.