Punjab floods: From voluntary donations by celebrity singers to outpouring of langar services, support pours in for victims
Amid a rift over water-sharing between the Punjab and Haryana governments, people from Haryana have come forward to support the flood-affected victims of their neighbouring state.
5 min read
Langar being distributed in flooded Fazilka village. (Express Photo)
Amid the devastation caused by floods following the torrential rains this month, Punjab has once again shown its indomitable spirit. Communities across the state have mobilised relief on an unprecedented scale — where administrative response faltered, voluntary efforts have surged forward. Apart from Punjab, even Haryana farmers are also reaching out to Punjabi farmers.
Though several villages in the Abohar constituency were submerged for weeks after downpours on July 31 and August 1, their farmers rose above their own struggles to aid those hit harder, a few kilometres away in Fazilka and Jalalabad in the same district.
“Around two dozen villages of Abohar were deluged due to heavy rainfall, but after seeing the plight of Fazilka farmers, we realised our troubles were far less. So far, we’ve sent three trolleys of fodder and silage for animals to Fazilka. A meeting with ahrtiyas (commission agents in the farm sector) and prominent citizens was held to collect voluntary donations. Relief work will continue across the state based on needs,” said Abohar-based farmer Sukhjinder Singh Rajan.
At Mansa district’s main market, appeals came through loudspeakers on Saturday seeking donations for dry rations or anything they could spare. Similar appeals resonated across villages, proving that the spirit of Punjabiyat thrives in times of crisis. Besides, they have even sent a truck full of relief to Khatriwala village of Mansa, which got waterlogged after heavy rain for three consecutive days this week. Water in the village is yet to be drained out fully.
Punjabi singers show solidarity with flood victims
Popular Punjabi singer Satinder Sartaj’s Foundation distributed ration kits in Fazilka and fodder in Harike Pattan, Tarn Taran. Earlier, his team had delivered aid to Ajnala villages. Actor and singer Ranjit Bawa announced he would donate the income from his first show in Canada for flood relief victims of Punjab. Bawa made this announcement during his stage performance in Canada, and the video is going viral on social media.
Singer Jasbir Jassi has also been actively reaching out to flood victims in the Ajnala block. Punjabi pop star Guru Randhawa, in a show of solidarity, launched a relief fund for flood victims, encouraging his followers to contribute generously.
The Fazilka district administration acknowledged an outpouring of langar services from gurdwaras, temples, and volunteer groups. “So many organisations are serving food that we’ve had to schedule them in turns to ensure people get fresh meals,” said an officer from the District Public Relations Office, Fazilka.
The administration even acknowledged the services of Shri Sukhmani Sahib Sewa Society, Fazilka; Dera Radha Soami Satsang Beas, Fazilka; Mandi Lakhewali panchayat in Sri Muktsar Sahib; Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) at Darbar Sahib, Sri Muktsar Sahib; and Guru Ramdas Langar Sewa from village Mandher in Sri Muktsar Sahib. Additionally, grama panchayats of Ghattian Wali and Chak Pakhi in Fazilka district, Nanaksar Thaath from Sher Muhammad village in Fazilka, and educational institution Akal Academy, Baru Sahib (Himachal Pradesh), also contributed to the relief efforts.
The Youth Association from Abohar also actively participated in organising langar services. The Fazilka district administration has expressed its gratitude to all these organizations for their timely support during the crisis.
Akal Academy Baru Sahib, Dera Radha Soami Satsang Beas, and many other organisations are providing voluntary services in other flood-affected districts as well. The service is not limited to the ration, fodder, or langar. Donations are pouring in for sandbags, and boats, apart from manpower to help in rescue missions and plug the breaches of water bodies, if any.
All SGPC-affiliated gurdwaras have opened their doors to flood victims. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj also appealed for sustained support, stating, “No flood victim should sleep hungry, and no cattle should die without fodder. Sikh organisations must step forward until normalcy returns”.
Amid a rift over water sharing between the Punjab and Haryana governments, people from Haryana have come forward to support the flood-affected victims of the neighbouring state. Farmers of Haryana’s Hisar are busy collecting flood relief to reach out to the affected villages of Punjab.
Dubai-based philanthropist S P S Oberoi’s Sarbat the Bhala Trust is actively delivering relief across Punjab. Trolleys loaded with fodder and food from Barnala, Muktsar, and Bathinda are reaching submerged villages in Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Amritsar. Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), is on the ground with his team. “KMM members are reaching out to trapped villagers with food and water. It is disheartening to see so many villages underwater, but resilient Punjab will stand on its feet again. However, these man-made floods must end—we need a permanent solution,” Pandher said.
Floods are not new to Punjab. The state has faced devastating deluges in 1955, 1978, 1988, 2019, 2023, and now 2025. “Each time, despite severe losses, Punjabis have rebuilt their lives from scratch. The resilience of Punjabis gives them the courage to start again, but this cannot continue indefinitely. Solutions to man-made floods must be implemented now,” Pandher added.
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