Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Reverse Migration: Avantika Panjtoori returns from New Zealand to give back to her ancestral land
- Providing skill training to girls in her native village, Fatehgarh Panjtoor - Over 500 girls skilled so far
Babushahi Bureau
Fatehgarh Panjtur/Moga, February 12, 2025- It is often said that Punjabis migrate abroad and rarely look back at their roots. However, Avantika Panjtoori, a 23-year-old young woman of Punjabi descent born in New Zealand, is proving this narrative wrong.
Accepting the call from the Punjab government for Non-Resident Punjabis (NRPs) to contribute to their homeland, Avantika has not only returned to her ancestral village, Fatehgarh Panjtoor but has also dedicated herself to empowering local youth, especially girls, by equipping them with skills for self-reliance.
Although born and raised in New Zealand, Avantika has always felt a deep connection to her ancestral land. Her father, Jatinder Panjtoori, a science teacher, went New Zealand in 1999 but maintained strong ties with his native village. Following his heart, he returned to Punjab to manage the educational institution founded by his forefathers. Inspired by his journey, Avantika has now decided to permanently settle in her village and contribute to its development.
Avantika's mission is to uplift rural girls by providing them with free skill training, ensuring they achieve economic independence. She believes this effort is her way of repaying her ancestral land. Over the past year, her training center has provided education in various vocational courses to more than 500 girls, helping them secure employment.
Avantika's training initiative operates under the SRM Educational Institute, which her father established. To enhance learning opportunities, guest educators from abroad frequently visit the center. This year, her initiative is being supported by SS Group Mohali and SBPS Group USA, particularly through the BPO program, which helps rural girls secure home-based employment.
Understanding the transportation challenges faced by rural girls, Avantika has personally arranged free bus services from nearby towns like Makhu, Zira, and Dharamkot to her training center. She is also actively involved in raising awareness against social evils and promoting gender equality.
Commending the Punjab government's efforts to educate and employ young people, Avantika has urged youth to take advantage of government schemes to become self-sufficient. She emphasized that Punjab has immense potential and encouraged Non-Resident Punjabis to contribute to the welfare of their native villages.
Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal praised Avantika Panjtoori's efforts in empowering women and urged NRPs from Moga district to step forward and give back to their homeland. He assured that the district administration is always ready to support any NRP willing to contribute to the development of their villages and communities.