Punjab, where monsoon devastation sets new records every year, has been devastated by terrible floods this time too. Thousands of houses were submerged, crops were ruined, livestock died and lakhs of families were left homeless. But amidst this devastation, the glow of the Sikh principle ‘Daswandh’ has kept the courage of the people of Punjab alive. ‘Daswandh’, according to which Sikhs give at least one tenth of their earnings for service in the name of the Guru, has today become the mainstay of Punjab’s reconstruction. It is the principle of Sikhism that lays the foundation of social service, humanity and helping the homeless.
The people of Punjab, who were robbed of everything by the floods, are still helping others with their courage and spirit of service. Government agencies, NGOs, celebrities, youth and even victims have now joined the rescue operations. All of them are arranging food, clean water, medicines and temporary shelter. Also, efforts to rebuild homes, revive agriculture and resume life as usual have begun in the coming months.
An example of service – Sakshi Sahni’s leadership
Amritsar’s first woman Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni has emerged as an example in this crisis. She is personally reaching the flood-affected areas and motivating people to move to safer places. Working day and night in relief camps, she is helping to save thousands of people. Sakshi Sahni said that the courage and resilience of the victims has deeply moved her.
“When we reach the homes of the victims and ask them to go to safer places, the first thing they do is ask about us and offer us tea. Their houses are filled with water, there is mud on the floor, there is no food or drink, but still their hope and courage towards life is amazing.
Contribution of celebrities – Rebuilding Punjab
While the devastation of the floods shook the people of Punjab, celebrities associated with the state also left no stone unturned in fulfilling their duty. Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has adopted 10 villages in Gurdaspur and Amritsar and taken the responsibility of rebuilding them. He has promised that he will continue to help until the lives of the people of these villages return to normal.
Mankirt Aulakh donated 50 tractors to help the flood-affected families of Punjab.
Other celebrities like Sonu Sood, Gippy Grewal, Resham Singh Anmol, Ammi Virk, Inderjit Singh Nikku and Jass Bajwa are also working with Sikh organizations, Khalsa Aid and local authorities for long-term rehabilitation.
Service from Sangat and organizations around the world
Sikh Sangat and organizations around the world set an example of service as soon as they heard the news of the Punjab floods. World-class organizations like Khalsa Aid and Global Sikhs are engaged in service across borders. Jaspal Singh, the first Sikh captain of Virgin Atlantic, born in Britain, took a week’s leave and started serving in Punjab. In an interview, he said, “I told my manager that my Punjab is shedding tears of blood, I need a leave. I got emotional after seeing the destruction of Punjab, but I got inner courage after seeing the strength of social service organizations and humanity.”
Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, Jaspal Singh brought 200 oxygen concentrators to India. Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal distributed cash and diesel to the affected villages and demanded a relief package of Rs 20,000 crore. He also announced the deployment of large machines and a team of volunteers to remove sand accumulated in the fields.
The Punjabi diaspora of Canada raised $2 million in two days on the appeal of RED FM. Khalsa Aid wrote on the X, “We are grateful for the generous support of the sangat from Australia and around the world. Your generosity is reaching the victims directly.”
Bollywood actor Sonu Sood made an emotional appeal, saying, “Punjab is my soul. Even if everything seems to be going wrong, I will not back down. We are Punjabis, we do not give up.”
The floods in Punjab caused great damage to the state, but the Sikh principle of ‘Daswandh’ and the spirit of service proved that the courage and humanity of Punjabis is greater than any adversity. With the joint efforts of the government, social service organizations, celebrities and the community, Punjab is emerging again. “We have to rebuild together,” this message is echoing in the heart of every Punjabi and every Sikh.
