Is the Sikh Principle ‘Daswandh’ More Resilient Than the Punjab Floods?

Chandigarh, Sep 8 (NationPress) The essence of Punjabiat lies in being charitable and selflessly aiding those who are struggling. This principle serves as a beacon of hope and community resilience, even amidst the catastrophic flooding that has struck Punjab. The region is currently facing one of its most severe flood crises in history, with countless homes submerged, crops devastated, and thousands of families displaced alongside their livestock.

The indomitable spirit of the Sikh tenet of ‘Daswandh’ shines through, where individuals are encouraged to contribute a minimum of 10 percent of their earnings to ‘sewa’ in the name of their Guru.

At the heart of Sikhism is the philosophy of selfless service, known as ‘sewa’. Numerous NGOs, both local and international, alongside religious organizations, youth, celebrities, political entities, and even survivors turned rescuers, are joining forces with government agencies to provide emergency meals, clean water, medical assistance, and temporary shelter.

Their goal is to offer support for many months to help rebuild homes, restore farms, and rejuvenate livelihoods.

Sakshi Sawhney, the first female Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, exemplifies the frontline efforts of flood relief, aiding thousands in rescuing those trapped in inundated homes, spending days in relief camps, and personally encouraging the elderly, women, and children to relocate to safer areas.

Sharing a narrative of bravery in the face of adversity, Sakshi Sawhney expressed her admiration for the resilience of survivors in an interview with IANS.

“When we arrive at their homes and urge them to leave for relief camps, their immediate inquiry is about our well-being, followed by offers of tea. Their determination to persevere in homes filled with water, silt-covered floors, and without cooking facilities is truly remarkable,” she remarked.

Throughout her rescue operations, she consistently reassures, “We are government employees and our duty is to reach out to every individual in need and serve you.”

Grateful for her kindness and compassionate leadership, survivors often embrace her, expressing sentiments like, “Daughters make us proud.”

As rescue efforts in Punjab near completion, numerous celebrities with ties to the state are stepping in to assist in rebuilding lives.

Understanding the profound distress faced by the populace, singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has committed to adopting 10 villages in Gurdaspur and Amritsar, the hardest-hit districts, pledging continuous aid until lives are reinstated.

Commending the efforts of celebrated singer Mankirat Aulakh, BJP leader Manjinder Sirsa, a prominent Sikh figure in Delhi, shared on X, “I humbly dedicate 50 tractors to support families impacted by the disastrous floods in Punjab, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to brother Mankirat Aulakh for his contribution & Sewa. We want to assure the farmers of Punjab… you are not alone. We stand with you during this challenging time.”

Sirsa emphasized that Punjab has “nurtured us, blessed us, and provided us with an identity. Today, it is our responsibility to give back… to serve our land with our strength, resources, and above all, our hearts.”

Other celebrities and artists, including Sonu Sood, Gippy Grewal, Resham Singh Anmol, and Ammy Virk, among others, all with roots in Punjab, have been actively working alongside NGOs and local authorities for long-term rehabilitation, offering renewed hope to rural communities.

“We all stand with Punjab,” they stated, sharing poignant videos that depict the ground realities on social media, urging unity and continued support for flood-affected villages and families.

“Together, we can rebuild,” reads a caption on a video posted by singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.

Global disaster relief organizations, such as Khalsa Aid and Global Sikhs, have been extending their services across borders. Captain Jaspal Singh, a pilot born in Britain and the first Sikh captain at Virgin Atlantic, has volunteered with Global Sikhs.

In an interview, he shared, “I came to Punjab on a week’s leave. I informed my manager that I needed time off as I was unsettled seeing my Punjab in pain. I received the leave and came here to perform ‘sewa’. The level of destruction I witnessed disturbed me deeply.”

“Observing numerous social organizations on the ground and the strength of humanity inspired me,” he added.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Captain Jaspal Singh volunteered to transport 200 donated oxygen concentrators to India.

Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal is actively distributing cash and diesel to the flood-affected villagers. During his visits, he is frequently observed handing over bundles of Rs 500 notes to village leaders for rehabilitation efforts.

On Sunday, he demanded a Rs 20,000 crore package for flood relief and rehabilitation, in addition to a full farm loan waiver for both farmers and ‘khet mazdoor’, aiming to help them regain stability.

“This involves large-scale earthmoving machinery and volunteers, which will be deployed across all flood-affected regions,” he stated.

Many religious and non-profit organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), are actively fundraising, receiving tremendous support from those who adhere to the principle of Daswandh, which encourages donating one-tenth of one’s earnings to assist the less fortunate.

The Punjabi diaspora in Canada has impressively raised $2 million for flood relief within just two days, responding to a call from RED FM.

“We are thankful to the 'sangat' worldwide, including Australia, who continue to support this 'seva' with generous hearts. Your kindness is directly aiding those in dire need during this crisis,” global charity Khalsa Aid stated in a post on X.

“From the very first day of the floods, our 'sewadars' have been on the ground rescuing families, providing food, water, and essential supplies -- and preparing for the next phase of rehabilitation once the waters recede,” they added.

In an emotional appeal, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood stated, “Punjab is my soul. Even if it costs everything, I will not back down. We are Punjabis -- and we do not surrender.”

(Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)