Punjab floods: Global Punjabi community, Bollywood stars unite for relief efforts

In a display of solidarity, Punjabis across the globe have united to aid flood victims as 1,312 villages in Punjab reel under devastating floods caused by heavy rains and water released from dams.

Nearly 3 lakh acres of crops and countless homes, from modest dwellings to luxurious mansions, remain submerged under 5 to 15 feet of water. Inspired by Guru Nanak’s philosophy of "Kirat Karo, Vand Chhako" (work hard and share with others), Punjab’s film industry, Bollywood stars, and social workers have stepped out to provide relief.

The Baba Deep Singh Seva Dal, part of the 13-13 Society, raised Rs 1.35 crore in just one night through a single phone call initiative led by Baljeet Singh Gill from Bhogpur. The funds are being used to deliver rations and essentials to flood-affected families.

Gill said, “I called my sisters, aunt, cousin, and a friend from Beas village at midnight. By 8 am, we had arranged Rs 1.35 crore.”

Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi, known for his hit Dil Le Gayi Kudi Gujarat Di, has taken charge, urging support from both the Punjabi and Bollywood industries via social media. Jassi personally reached out to Bollywood icon Salman Khan, who, along with Sanjay Dutt, has pledged support for the cause.

Sanjay Dutt, known for his philanthropy, has reportedly committed to providing resources to aid rescue efforts.

Comedian Kapil Sharma also announced his contribution, saying, “My team is in Punjab, and we’re sending help.” Singers Karan Aujla and Satinder Sartaj’s foundations are actively distributing essentials door-to-door. Sartaj, who celebrated his birthday yesterday by serving flood victims, adopted 500 families in Amritsar’s Ajnala, providing them with a month’s worth of rations.

Sartaj shared his efforts on social media, inspiring others to join in.

When traditional rescue methods like tractors failed, Jaskirat Nagara from Mohali deployed four amphibious ATOR N1200 vehicles from his company. “Our goal is to serve people,” Nagara said, noting that one vehicle rescued a four-day-old infant.

Punjabi singer Resham Singh Anmol, driven by childhood lessons in humanity from his family, took responsibility for providing fodder for livestock after witnessing distressing videos of stranded animals.

Meanwhile, Karan Aujla responded to a call for boats by arranging their delivery from Kolkata.

From local heroes to global stars, Punjab’s spirit of resilience shines through. As Jassi appealed to Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Babbu Maan, and others, the response has been overwhelming, with artists like Jaspreet Narula sending six boats and Harbhajan Mann extending support.

The entire Punjabi diaspora, both in India and abroad, stands united with the administration to help those in need.