Punjab Floods: How Community Spirit and Celebrities Are Bringing Hope Amid Devastation
Punjab is facing one of its worst floods in years, thanks to relentless monsoon rains. Thousands of homes sit underwater or lie in ruins, crops have been wiped out, families are displaced, and livestock has perished. Yet, in the heart of this crisis, the unbreakable spirit of ‘Punjabiat’ shines through. This age-old tradition of charity and selfless service keeps hope alive and helps communities bounce back stronger.
At the core of this resilience is the Sikh principle of ‘Daswandh’—donating at least 10% of your income to ‘sewa’, or selfless service, in honor of the Guru. It’s more than a rule; it’s a way of life that turns tragedy into a call for unity. From local volunteers to international aid groups, everyone is stepping up to provide emergency meals, clean water, medical help, and temporary shelters. Now, the focus shifts to the long haul: rebuilding homes, restoring farms, and restarting livelihoods in flood-hit areas.
Leading the charge on the ground is Sakshi Sawhney, Amritsar’s first woman Deputy Commissioner. She’s become the face of flood relief in Punjab, personally rescuing thousands from flooded homes. Sawhney spends days in relief camps, convincing elders, women, and children to move to safer spots. Sharing stories of survival with , she praised the incredible courage of the people. "When we reach their waterlogged homes—floors covered in silt, no way to cook—they ask about our well-being first and even offer us tea," she said. During rescues, she often tells them, "We’re government servants on duty to help every person in distress." Overwhelmed survivors hug her and say, "Daughters like you make us proud." Her empathetic leadership shows how Punjab flood relief efforts rely on personal touch.
As rescue operations wrap up in Punjab, celebrities with deep roots in the state are jumping in to aid rebuilding. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has adopted 10 villages in the hardest-hit districts of Gurdaspur and Amritsar. He pledged ongoing support until lives return to normal, recognizing the deep distress, especially among children. "Together, we can rebuild," he captioned an emotional video on Instagram, urging unity for flood-affected families.
Other stars like Sonu Sood, Gippy Grewal, Resham Singh Anmol, Ammy Virk, Inderjit Singh Nikku, and Jass Bajwa are working hand-in-hand with NGOs and local authorities for long-term rehabilitation. They share ground realities on social media, calling on everyone to support rural communities. In a heartfelt appeal, Sonu Sood said, "Punjab is my soul. Even if it takes everything, I will not back down. We are Punjabis—and we do not give up."
Praising singer Mankirat Aulakh’s efforts, BJP leader Manjinder Sirsa announced on X that he’s dedicating 50 tractors to help flood-affected families. "I humbly dedicate these in support of Punjab’s farmers. You are never alone—we stand shoulder to shoulder in this hour of pain," he wrote. Sirsa added, "Punjab has nurtured us and given us an identity. Today, it’s our duty to give back with our strength, resources, and hearts."
Global aid is pouring in too. Charities like Khalsa Aid and Global Sikhs are serving beyond borders, with teams rescuing families and distributing food, water, and supplies from day one. Britain-born pilot Captain Jaspal Singh, the first Sikh captain at Virgin Atlantic, volunteered with Global Sikhs. He took a week’s leave after seeing Punjab "bleeding" in the news. "I got emotional seeing the devastation, but the power of humanity and social organizations gave me strength," he told a news portal. During Covid-19, he even flew 200 donated oxygen concentrators to India—proof of his commitment to sewa.
Political leaders are also active. Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal is handing out cash and diesel to villagers, often giving bundles of Rs 500 notes to village heads for rehab work. He demanded a Rs 20,000 crore package for flood relief and rehabilitation, plus a full farm loan waiver for farmers and laborers. Badal announced a plan to clear sand from fields using heavy machinery and volunteers across affected areas.
Religious groups like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) are raising funds based on Daswandh, getting massive responses from believers. The Canada-based Punjabi diaspora alone raised $2 million in two days through RED FM. Khalsa Aid posted on X, "We’re grateful to the ‘sangat’ worldwide for their open-hearted support. Our sewadars are on the ground, preparing for rehabilitation as waters recede."
In this time of crisis, Punjab’s floods highlight the true power of community and sewa. From local heroes to global volunteers, everyone is united to help flood victims rebuild. As Diljit Dosanjh said, together, Punjab will rise again.
