Summary: In "Wisdom and Waste in the Punjab Village" by Malcolm Lyall Darling, the author reflects on his tours of the Punjab village life, focusing on various aspects such as agricultural debt, village servants, village women's domestic life, the influence of the Army and school, and the effects of economic depression. He emphasizes the peasant's tendency to hoard, factionism, and the impact of the economic downturn. The book sheds light on the role of education in disconnecting the youth from agriculture, leading to unemployment among educated zemindars. It also highlights the culture of pawning or selling jewelry to meet government dues, illustrating the need for reduced tax burden. The narrative underscores the necessity of education tailored to the village context, with practical lessons on health and agriculture to benefit the villagers. Ultimately, the book calls for systemic changes to alleviate the financial burdens on peasants and promote sustainable rural livelihoods in the Punjab.