Amid the devastating floods ravaging Punjab, young people are stepping up as true heroes, proving their resilience and spirit of ‘sewa’ (selfless service) in the face of tragedy. This year’s monsoon fury has claimed 56 lives, submerged over 2,300 villages, and caused damages worth Rs 13,800 crore to homes, farms, and infrastructure—the worst flooding in four decades. Yet, Punjab’s youth, often unfairly labeled as idle or caught in the drug crisis spotlighted by films like ‘Udta Punjab’, are now leading the charge to save lives and rebuild communities.
Heavy rains since August, combined with water releases from upstream dams, caused rivers to burst their banks in Punjab, India’s key food bowl. This catastrophe has affected over 2 million people and destroyed 5 lakh acres of crops. As floodwaters finally recede, families are returning to homes reduced to rubble, fields turned to mud, and livelihoods shattered. The Punjab government has promised compensation, but it’s the ground-level efforts that are sparking hope.
In hard-hit districts like Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Fazilka, and Tarn Taran, young men and women are rolling up their sleeves. They’re delivering essential supplies to stranded villagers, piling sandbags to reinforce river embankments, and clearing silt from streets, houses, and farmlands. Dr. Vijay Khanna, an 80-year-old doctor from Zira in Ferozepur, shares how every village has assigned youth to these tasks. “These youngsters are using their tractors and trailers through community networks to get the job done,” he told . He dismisses the negative stereotypes: “It’s unfair to call Punjab’s youth drug addicts. They were the first to brave the floods, rescue others, and now they’re reviving rural lives.”
This turnaround embodies ‘Chardi Kala’—the Sikh principle of staying optimistic and strong amid adversity—and ‘Sarbat da Bhala’, the idea of working for everyone’s welfare. A volunteer from an international charity echoes this: “Punjab’s youth aren’t addicted to drugs; they’re hooked on sewa. Building embankments? That’s their hard labor at work. Only a strong, determined Punjabi youth can pull that off with such spirit.”
One standout effort is ‘mitti di seva’—a community drive where locals contribute earth to fortify flood barriers. Celebrities, social media influencers, faith leaders, and rural groups are joining hands to reconstruct homes, schools, health centers, and better drainage systems for long-term flood prevention. Global charities are teaming up with these youth volunteers to ensure relief extends beyond immediate aid, focusing on economic recovery that lasts months and years.
Even politicians are weighing in. BJP leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal posted on X: “This sacred land of the Gurus carries the true voice of every Punjabi—Punjab must rise together.” He called for a white paper on the floods, labeling it a “man-made disaster” due to government lapses.
Adding momentum, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched ‘Mission Chardi Kala’ this week—a global fundraising drive for flood victims’ rehabilitation. “We’ve moved past relief; now it’s time for revival,” Mann said. Farmers need to replant fields, kids must get back to school, and families have to rebuild their lives. With the youth at the forefront, Punjab’s unbreakable spirit shines through, turning survival into a story of collective revival.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
