When water, essential for life, turns into a monstrous force, it becomes terrifying and destructive. Currently, due to the monsoon rains, devastation is being observed in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. People have begun to fear the water’s fury. Punjab is experiencing a deluge after many decades. All districts in the state have been flooded, reminiscent of the floods in 1988. Rivers and canals like the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas are overflowing, resulting in the destruction of crops on thousands of acres. There have been 45 fatalities, and a significant number of livestock have perished. Thousands have sought refuge in temporary camps. In this crisis, the people of Punjab are receiving support from their community. History shows that despite past challenges, Punjab has remained vibrant and progressive. Various social and religious groups continue to communicate consistently.
Punjabi culture is indeed a collection of colors and forms. Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and Christians have a common heritage which has evolved over centuries of brotherhood between Sikh Gurus, the philosophy of Hindus and the secular spirit of the generosity of the Sufis. Even after the tragedy of the partition of the country, Punjab recovered quickly due to the hardworking people. Punjab suffered the brunt of terrorism for two decades, yet brotherhood remained intact. Despite systemic failures, Punjab played a big role in the country’s Green Revolution. The way the film industry in Punjab, popular singers of the state, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, voluntary organizations, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, religious and social organizations at the rural level have helped the people during the floods in Punjab is not only commendable but also exemplary.
Actors and singers from the Punjabi film industry have pledged to continue helping the victims even after the water recedes, until the victims’ lives are back on track. Many actors have adopted villages. Punjabi actors from the Mumbai film industry are also coming forward in large numbers. Daljit Dosanjh, Sonu Sood, Mankirt Aulakh, Harf Cheema, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Hooda and others are not only helping with money but are also instilling hope in people. Langars have been set up at various places, medicines, water and other essential items are being distributed to the flood victims. Every citizen of Punjab has become an angel at this time.
The word ‘Chaddi Kalan’ is very popular in Punjab. The Hindi meaning of this word is to maintain a mental state of enthusiasm, optimism and eternal, resilience. Always remain positive no matter how difficult the circumstances are. It is an important principle of Sikhism that despite the ups and downs in life, one must accept the will of God (bhaana) and move forward with an enthusiastic attitude. Chaddi Kalan means to always be progressive, to maintain self-confidence even in adverse circumstances.
The Bhagwant Mann government and the Central government are also doing their part in this calamity. Every political party is also engaged in helping the people. People have high hopes from the governments that the Center will help them in a full way and they will stand on their feet again. The jawans of the NDRF and other forces have become angels. The governments will work at their own pace, but the way the Punjabis themselves have extended a helping hand, Punjab will recover from the shock. This is the reason why Sikhs say during Ardaas- “Nanak naam chaddi kalan, tere bhaane sarbat da bhala.” That is, Nanak naam is the supreme consciousness and with your mercy we wish for the well-being of all. To recover from this time of crisis, everyone will have to work by keeping aside political differences. It is the administration’s job to rehabilitate flood victims, help farmers, arrange for quick drainage and remove every obstacle. One thing has been proven to the whole world that the spirit of Punjabi is alive and will remain alive.
