As Punjab grapples with severe flooding that has impacted thousands of lives and caused widespread damage, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has pledged ₹5 crore towards flood relief efforts. Viewing his contribution as "sewa" (service) rather than a donation, Kumar has stepped forward to help those affected by the natural calamity.
The devastating floods in Punjab have affected over 1,900 villages, inundating over 4 lakh acres of farmland and tragically claiming at least 43 lives. The crisis, deemed the worst in nearly four decades, has resulted from heavy monsoon rains and the release of excess water from dams. This has led to widespread displacement, with hundreds of thousands of residents being evacuated.
Akshay Kumar's commitment to assist the flood victims has been widely appreciated. In a recent conversation, the actor expressed his aversion to the word "donation," emphasizing that he feels blessed to have the opportunity to extend a helping hand. He views his contribution as a small service and prays for the well-being of those affected by the floods.
This is not the first time Kumar has stepped up during crises. He is known for his charitable work, including substantial donations to disaster relief efforts during the Chennai floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also co-founded the 'Bharat Ke Veer' initiative to support soldiers' families.
Several organizations are working to provide assistance to those affected by the Punjab floods. UNITED SIKHS (UK) is focusing on helping families who have lost their homes, vehicles, crops, and livelihoods, providing feed for livestock and supporting families' rehabilitation. Khalsa Aid has been carrying out large-scale relief operations in affected districts, rescuing families and livestock, and providing essential supplies.
Other celebrities, including Sonu Sood, Diljit Dosanjh, and Kapil Sharma, have also come forward to support the flood relief efforts. Various actors and singers are providing monetary aid, relief materials, and offering prayers for the victims.
The Punjab government has closed schools and colleges as a safety precaution and is conducting damage assessments to provide compensation for flood-related losses. The Union Agriculture Minister has assured that the central government will support Punjab in overcoming the crisis.
The floods have not only caused immense human suffering but have also severely impacted the region's agriculture. Khalsa Aid is deploying de-watering systems to help farmers restore their fields and return to cultivation.
As Punjab faces this challenging time, the support from individuals like Akshay Kumar and various organizations is crucial in providing relief and helping the affected communities rebuild their lives. The spirit of unity and resilience is evident as people come together to overcome this disaster.