India, Oct. 31 -- Today, Punjab enters the 60th year of its formation. In the last 59 years, it has earned many a laurel and national applause. Sadly, some notoriety too.

On the positive side, the state secured food sovereignty for the nation - imagine the PL-480 days and what a Trump-like US President could do to us. The days of the beggar's grain bowl are history, thanks to the "sturdiest peasantry in India" as Sir Malcolm Darling, the British administrator, described the Punjabi farmer and paid tribute as "the finest specimen of men I have ever seen".

The state's contribution to the country's defence is even more distinguished. If sceptics need any reminder, Punjab is home to the highest number of war widows, despite its small size a...