In a remarkable act of philanthropy and commitment to the community, Sikh leaders from Mumbai under the management of the Mumbai Sikhs apex body -Sri Guru Singh Sabha Mumbai, Dadar, travelled to the flood-affected regions of Punjab to provide monetary aid to the tune of Rs. 35 lakhs to small and marginal farmers. The initiative aimed to help farmers recover from the devastating floods that submerged fields and destroyed crops two months ago. WSN reports.

Sri Guru Singh Sabha (Regd) Mumbai Dadar, in collaboration with all the Gurdwaras of Mumbai, MM Region, Sangat of Mumbai, Sewak Jathas, and Istri Satsang Sabha, distributed cheques to 320 families from the villages of Dheera Ghara, Talliglam, and Basti Rattoke of Ferozepur district in the Punjab. Each family received Rupees 7,500, and an additional donation of Rs. 11,000 was given to one temple and four gurudwaras in the region.

Kulwant Singh, who had visited these villages three months ago, remarked, “The damages were heart-wrenching. Houses were submerged in 5-foot water, fields were destroyed, and there was a massive loss of livestock and property. Their entire crop was destroyed and they needed support for the next round of cultivation. We had to stand with our brethren during these testing times.”

On his initial visit, immediate medical aid worth nearly Rupees 2 lakhs was dispatched to prevent diseases due to stagnant water. The total disbursement to the farmers was in the region of Rupees 30 lakhs and Rs. 5 lakhs for the same purpose was given to Khalsa Aid.

Initially, it was decided that funds would be made available for seeds and fertilizers but as there was no clarity because of the ground situation, it was collectively decided to contribute funds so that each individual family can make their own decision after assessment of their respective needs.

Advocate Jaswinder Singh of Akal Purakh Ki Fauj, who played a pivotal role in coordination, said, “It’s not just about providing funds. It’s about ensuring the well-being of every family affected. We ensured that we had a list of all the homes in the villages and double-checked it so that no one was left out.”

In carrying on this noble act, the emphasis was on the long-term recovery of these farmers. The importance of this was echoed by many, including Giani Kewal Singh, former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and coordinator of Panthak Talmel Sangathan, who was present during the distribution and who led the prayers for rehabilitation of the affected families.

Members of the Singh Sabha Mumbai, including Sukhvinder Singh Randhawa, Gurvinder Singh Gill, and Sukhvinder Singh Chawla, were instrumental in handling all the groundwork for the issuance of cheques and ensuring that the work was done without duplication and discrimination.

Speaking to this reporter, Senior Vice-President of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Dadar Mumbai. Kulwant Singh, who camped in the region for three days, humbly stated, “When calamity strikes, it’s our duty to come forward, not as individuals but as a collective community. It is our primary duty to affect the people of Punjab.”

The beneficiaries were grateful to the team from Mumbai who had contributed funds that would help them in the cultivation of wheat in the coming days. They rued the fact that the amount of relief announced by the government of Punjab has not reached the flood victims.

The dedication and commitment of the Sikh leaders from Mumbai underscore the unity and strength of the Sikh community, ensuring that even in the face of adversity, no one is left behind.