Punjab Faces Massive Flood Crisis; Locals and Diaspora Raise ₹1.35 Crore Overnight to Aid Victims

Jalandhar (The Uttam Hindu): In the wake of relentless rainfall and rising waters, more than 1,300 villages in a northern Indian state have been completely submerged, displacing thousands and devastating farmlands across the region. While official aid continues to trickle in, the true force behind the flood relief effort has been the community itself, both at home and abroad.

According to local estimates, nearly 3 lakh acres of crops now lie under 5 to 15 feet of floodwater, while homes have been inundated, leaving families stranded on rooftops. Entire households have lost not just their belongings but also their means of livelihood. Despite this, the people have remained in "Chardi Kala"—a Punjabi spirit of eternal optimism—echoing the sentiment: "Tera Bhana Meetha Lage" (Let Your Will Be Sweet to Me, O Lord).

 Community Mobilizes Unprecedented Relief

In a powerful display of unity, members of the Baba Deep Singh Seva Dal, aligned with the 13-13 Society, launched an emergency fundraiser that raised ₹1.35 crore overnight—all from a single phone call chain.

The effort was spearheaded by Baljit Singh Gill of Bhogpur, who began making calls to friends and family around midnight. By 8 AM, over a crore had been raised.

“I called my sisters, uncles, cousins, and even childhood friends from Beas village. Everyone pitched in immediately,” said Gill.

The funds are being used to supply ration kits, essential items, and boats to rescue stranded villagers. As waters began rising, volunteers from the Gurdaspur-based group became some of the first responders, organizing logistics and rescue operations with local coordination.

Celebrities and Diaspora Join the Cause

The Punjabi diaspora, along with film and music industry figures, have also stepped in to support the cause.

Comedian Kapil Sharma publicly pledged his help. Singers like Karan Aujla, Ranjit Bawa, and Satinder Sartaaj have mobilized their foundations to deliver aid door-to-door in affected areas. Social media campaigns are helping raise both awareness and funds, with several relief convoys already operational.

The Spirit of the People

Even amidst loss and uncertainty, the flood-hit communities have shown unwavering strength. Their actions reflect a deep-rooted culture of service (seva) and resilience. This crisis, though severe, has once again proven how a united community can overcome even the harshest natural disasters.