The stories of Hindus who left Pakistan and arrived in India are filled not only with pain but also with profound changes. People whose lives in Pakistan were characterized by fear, discrimination, and instability now speak of the ability to celebrate festivals freely for the first time, live under their own names, and retain their earnings.
Changes After Moving to India
Representatives of the publication Aajtak Dot In spoke with several Hindu families who moved from Pakistan to India. They noted that although the beginning of life in India was difficult, their lives have significantly improved over time. They now feel that their children's future is more secure, and most importantly, they no longer have to live in constant fear.
The Feeling of True Freedom
Jaan Bahadur Singh, who lived in Pakistan for about 28 years, arrived in India in 2014. He stated that it was in India that he understood the true meaning of freedom. He shared his feelings: 'Only after arriving in India did I feel for the first time that we were truly free. Life in Pakistan was in a suffocating atmosphere. Here, at least, one can breathe openly.'
Festivals and Self-Identification
Sagaraj Bilk said that Diwali and Holi were celebrated in Pakistan, but in a very limited format. There, they were restricted to religious rituals and small celebrations among themselves. Upon arriving in India, he saw how the entire market shone, how people prepared for festivals in advance. He noted that now children can play with colors, light lamps, and participate in religious events without fear.
In Pakistan, Hindus had to face not only religious but also serious social and economic difficulties. The jagirdari system still operates in many regions of Pakistan. In this system, personal identity is absent; people are forced to work in servitude to the jagirdars. If a person worked for a jagirdar, they could only remain there within the framework of this system.
It was once noted that a person's identity was often determined not by their name, but by the name of the jagirdar they served. If they were stopped on the road, they had to state the jagirdar's name to be let go. In India, however, they live using their own names and identities.
Financial Security and Dignity
In Pakistan, many people were forced to hide their identities. This necessity disappeared after moving to India. They no longer need to worry about how others will react when they state their name. In their opinion, this change is not only religious but also mental freedom.
Sagaraj Bilk also mentioned that the main threat in Pakistan was the theft of earnings. Jaan Bahadur Singh emphasized: 'Even if we could save one hundred rupees, there was always the fear that someone would steal it. Here, it seems that what you earn belongs to you. No one will come and take it away.'
Economic improvement is considered the most significant change. One Hindu who moved from Pakistan recounted that upon entering India, he had only 1500 rupees, but today, thanks to his labor, he has accumulated assets worth 15 to 20 lakhs. He added that the fruits of labor remain with the family.
Children's Future and Remaining Challenges
Most Hindus arriving from Pakistan started a new life in India working in construction, agriculture, or as manual laborers. Many families decided to move to India not for themselves, but for the future of their children. In India, they are given the opportunity to live freely without changing their names.
Many who spoke of robberies and insecurity in Pakistan assert that the biggest change they felt in India is peace of mind. Nevertheless, Hindus who came from Pakistan admit that certain difficulties still exist in India, such as citizenship issues, obtaining an Aadhaar Card, other government documents, and employment. However, they agree that fear is no longer part of their lives, which is reflected in the stories of almost every family that left their home in Pakistan to start a new life in India.
