In Gandhinagar’s Jhulasan, which gained fame as NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’s native village, an air of uncertainty and tension hangs. In this village of around 5,000, a group of around two dozen men, who set out for the US illegally around eight months ago, has reportedly gone ‘incommunicado’. A Jhulasan resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said their status — whether they have reached the US or are still in transit — remains unknown.
“The news of 33 deportees landing in Gujarat is being closely followed locally as there is a big number of youths who have left for the US through the illegal route. The reason for concern here is that around two dozen men who had left for the US are currently incommunicado, causing much anxiety among the locals,” said a village elder close to the development. A source said, “Agents might have told them not to contact their family members or relatives until they settle there. Or, they may still be enroute or at a hideout on their illegal journey.”
Sarpanch Mani Patel said that around 3,000 from the village’s total population are from the Patidar community, and nearly 2,000 of them are in the US. “People from my village go to the US mainly for a long period to earn more money and also due to peer pressure. We earn good incomes here, but ultimately, the US is seen as offering a better life and more money, prompting many to go there even if it means taking the illegal route,” said Patel.
Illegal immigration is reportedly rampant in Jhulasan and other nearby villages. Families do not approach the police in scenarios where members have remained incommunicado for long periods. Patel said she was not aware of how many people have gone using illegal routes, but confirmed that their numbers could be big.
“We have our daughter Sunita (Williams) sailing in space after a successful career in NASA. I met her when she had come here to pray at the Dola Mata Temple. She is a proud daughter of this village,” said Patel, adding, many from the village are following the US craze, and some get into trouble for their illegal ways.
Many people, especially those harbouring dreams of settling in the US, visit the Dola Mata temple in Jhulasan from across Gujarat, as the goddess here is believed to fulfil wishes of those wanting to emigrate abroad.