NRIs FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND COMES IN A BIG WAY TO SUPPORT CM’S MISSION CHARDIKALA

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Reiterating their firm commitment to help the flood ravaged state, NRIs from Australia and New Zealand on Sunday assured fulsome support and cooperation to the Mission Chardikala started by the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

During a virtual meeting with the NRIs from Australia and New Zealand, the Chief Minister commended the strong emotional and developmental bond of the NRIs with the Indian diaspora. He said that these NRIs had carved a niche for themselves in these countries through hard work and dedication but had never forgotten their motherland. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that NRIs have always played a key role in the development of their villages and cities, promotion of sports and even for perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of the state.

The Chief Minister said that this NRI Townhall is an interactive virtual session designed to connect Punjabi diaspora in Australia and New Zealand with the mission Chardikala. He said that mission is aimed at gathering global support for Punjab’s relief and rehabilitation efforts adding that NRIs can play an important role in the rebuilding exercise of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann showcased Punjab’s resilience and highlighted the ongoing recovery projects to the NRIs and invited diaspora members to participate in the Rangla Punjab Fund through CSR and philanthropic contributions.

The Chief Minister informed the NRIs that the state recently witnessed floods of such magnitude that it will remain etched in public memory for generations. He said that the floods didn’t just bring water but they swept away millions of dreams adding that it was one of the most horrifying tragedies in Punjab’s recent history. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that this is also Punjab’s greatest test, but history has shown that the state always emerges stronger from every crisis.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that the floods have submerged over 2,300 villages, affected more than 2 million people, and destroyed crops across five lakh acres of land. Tragically, he said that around 60 lives were lost, and around seven lakh people were rendered homeless adding that 3,200 government schools were damaged, 19 colleges reduced to rubble, 1,400 clinics and hospitals were ruined, 8,500 kilometers of roads were destroyed, and 2,500 bridges collapsed. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per initial estimates, the total damage amounts to approximately Rs 13,800 crore, though the actual figure can be even higher.

Apprising the NRIs about Chardikala Mission, the Chief Minister said that it is an initiative aimed at supporting the welfare of flood victims in Punjab. He said that several philanthropists have already come forward to support the Chardikala Mission. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Mission Chardikala is a global fundraising campaign which has been launched to raise funds for the state government’s rehabilitation initiatives for the 2025 Punjab flood victims.

Reiterating the spirit behind the initiative, the Chief Minister said that just as Chardikala signifies the eternal Sikh spirit of strength and optimism in the face of adversity, Mission Chardikala is a call to action for all Punjabis around the world to unite as one family during this time of unprecedented hardship. He expressed hope that more Punjabis across the globe will continue to contribute generously toward rebuilding the Punjab of their dreams. Assuring transparency and accountability, Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that every penny collected will be spent judiciously for the welfare and rehabilitation of flood victims.

The Chief Minister said that Majha is worst affected areas and now the rehabilitation process is going to start adding that disimbursement of relief cheques will start from Tommorow (Monday)from funds of Rangla Punjab. He specifically thanks to youngsters, NGOs and other Religious Organisation who contributed for help of his fellow Punjabis. He bemoaned that even in this hour of grave crisis some of the political parties shamelessly indulged in politics by blaming the state government for it whereas Mexico and other parts of the world facing worst floods due to global warming. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that entire opposition targeted him just to for their vested political interests which was undesirable and unwarranted. 

Urging the NRIs to become an integral part of the process to rebuild Punjab, the Chief Minister said that it is the need of the hour to give relief to the flood affected people. He said that the state government will make sure that the relief should be provided to last man in the queue adding that as NRIs can’t contribute in CM Relief Fund so the state government has opened new account of Rangla Punjab so as to facilitate them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that MPs also contribute more than 20 lakh from MPLAD Fund in new fund adding that some of the leaders have also opposed this fund due to their vested interests. 

Meanwhile the NRI brethren who were connected with the Chief Minister from Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, and Auckland assured fulsome support and cooperation to the state government for this noble cause. The NRI diaspora including leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners, representatives of Punjabi associations and others assured Bhagwant Singh Mann that they will contribute generously for this mission. They also lauded the Chief Minister led state government for making concerted efforts to put life back on track in the flood ravaged Punjab.

On the occasion, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Advisor Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali and others were also present.