Floods arrive uninvited and wreak havoc without warning. In late August 2025, Punjab faced a catastrophic flood as the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar rivers overflowed, swallowing entire villages and erasing roads. Over 2,200 villages were submerged, with approximately 2.2 million acres of farmland destroyed, impacting 13 districts, including Pathankot, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar. Crops that families had nurtured for months were gone in mere hours. Beyond the statistics, the aftermath brought a haunting silence, marked by the sounds of mosquitoes where children once played and the unsettling smell of dampness and decay. Yet, Punjab is a land of resilience. It has weathered invasions, colonization, and floods, teaching its people to take initiative in times of crisis.
When the waters surged, it was not official assistance that first made a difference but the swift actions of neighbors. Families worked through the night, stacking sandbags, while farmers transported the elderly across deep water. Gurdwaras opened their doors early, providing food for all in need. This tradition of selfless service, or seva, became the vital lifeline. To grasp Punjab’s spirit, consider Ajnala in Amritsar. A journalist found an elderly farmer sitting on a charpoy in his partially submerged home. While his fields and livestock were lost, he offered the reporter tea, demonstrating an incredible spirit of hospitality amid devastation. This quiet strength speaks volumes about resilience. However, spirit alone cannot rebuild homes.
Relief efforts required organization, which came from various NGOs. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the Sukhmani Sewa Society were among the first responders. Notably, The Kalgidhar Society, known for its extensive network of rural schools, converted 15 of its Akal Academies into relief camps almost instantaneously. These camps became much more than shelters; they served as food warehouses, medical clinics, and workshops for repairing essential tools. The Kalgidhar Society collaborated closely with the National Disaster Response Force and local authorities to mobilize resources. They deployed powered boats and heavy machinery, with thousands of volunteers delivering essential services. Langar kitchens operated continuously, feeding thousands, while medical teams navigated through the floodwaters to provide care.
Once the waters receded, the work became even more challenging. Stagnant water created mosquito breeding grounds, and animal carcasses posed health risks. Here again, volunteers from the Society worked diligently, draining water, disposing of carcasses, and disinfecting affected areas. Their efforts, while often unnoticed, were crucial in preventing disease outbreaks. Relief has now transitioned to rehabilitation. The Kalgidhar Society has embarked on constructing prefabricated homes—safe and durable structures that restore dignity to families who lost everything. These homes, complete with kitchens and toilets, are not mere temporary shelters but real living spaces. Corporate partners like Amazon and Infosys have joined forces to support this initiative, highlighting the collaborative effort required for rehabilitation.
As the world’s attention shifts to other stories, Punjab’s struggles and resilience continue. The narrative is not about victims but about survivors who embody dignity and strength. It is about the farmer in Ajnala offering tea amidst his loss, volunteers working tirelessly, and children joyfully waiting for langar. Despite the floods, Punjab’s spirit rises ever higher.