Waking up from a Canadian dream as India's diplomatic tensions escalate

'CANADA DRY': As India's diplomatic tensions with the Land of the Maple Leaf escalate, so do the anxieties of countless Punjabis. NITIN KUMAR writes

Nestled in the heart of the Royal City of Patiala, Leela Bhawan Square is more than just a location; it’s a gateway to a regal lifestyle for locals. This thriving square has become a symbol of hope for those aspiring to venture abroad, as it hosts a multitude of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academies and visa agencies.

This once lively square, where cheerful conversations and hopeful farewells were the norm, now finds itself immersed in uncertainty, all due to India’s deteriorating relations with Canada — a destination seven out of 10 Punjabis pursue for foreign education and employment