The situation in Panjab flood affected areas is one of heartbreak and disappointment. It’s heartbreaking to see so many families left economically destitute by the floods and very disappointing because of the lack of reaction from the international Sikh community. The Districts of Ferozpur, Kapurthla and Moga are areas that already struggle economically, the floods have now ripped the heart of the farming community.

Khalsa Aid has been delivering emergency aid to some of the affected villages but much more needs to be done. I have been to many disasters since the launch of Khalsa Aid in 1999 but I am astounded by the lack of support from the Sikhs in the west for their community in the flooded areas of Panjab! Why is it that the Gurdwaras in the west have not treated the Panjab floods like the other recent disasters and raised money to assist the Panjabi community in their hour of need?

While on an aid distribution mission; whenever, we drove up to the villages, we were mobbed by large numbers of desperate people, most of them asking if we will return to their area again. The destruction caused by the floods was apparent as we drove through the farmlands. We could see whole fields destroyed by the floodwaters; it was very distressing to see the farmers holding their heads in their hands and visibly upset.

I wondered if the Sikhs in the west really knew the plight of these forgotten farmers. I spoke to our contacts in Panjab concerning the grants etc available to the floods affected people. I have been informed that most people have very limited knowledge of their rights, the local officials failed to educate these people, perhaps for self gain.

We spent 7 hours in one village distributing aid, the goods we were providing ran out however the tide of people kept pouring in from the surrounding villages. I still found it very surreal that I was in Panjab delivering aid and not in some poor African country.

We drove off with our empty trucks; all the volunteers were very tired and silent. I could see the sun setting and the darkness rapidly descending fast over the fields. I was going back to the city of Ludhiana and then to London, the thoughts of the farmers trying to gather strength to face another day dawned upon me. I felt so drained and helpless that I broke down, hiding my tears from the others.

I appeal to the Sikh community to assist their brethren either through Khalsa Aid or directly visiting the floods affected areas themselves.

Panjab needs you!!

Ravinder Singh Sidhu
www.khalsaaid.org

Ravinder Singh of Khalsa Aid is presently in Panjab to see the damage caused by the floods in the Ferozpur, Moga and Kapurthla Districts.

This is his Report:

Khalsa Aid has been providing aid to the victims of the floods since the beginning of September and has now moved the relief work to long term rehabilitation of the affected people. Please visit our website www.khalsaaid.org for further information.

The damage caused by the floods to the local farming community is devastating and in places it is extremely distressing to witness the hopelessness of the farmers and their families.

In some places the water has remained in the fields and the farmhouses appear to be floating. I could not believe that there was a boat being used as a means of transport in the place where once stood crops!! It was a big shock and seemed like a scene from the Tsunami hit islands. The people are living with the ever present danger of the river embankments breaking again and their lands becoming flooded again.

I heard many tales of hardship and despair during my visit to the flooded areas. The economic outlook of these people looks grim and need of financial assistance to fight off the fast approaching onset of poverty is vital. It is a daunting task but with the generous assistance of the global Sikh Sangat I am sure we can stand by our fellow Panjabi brethren in their time of need.

I am disappointed that the most recent disasters have been treated with rapid reaction (which is fantastic!) by the Sikh community but the Panjab Floods have had hardly any Gurdwaras offer funds to assist the Panjabi farmers who were already suffering economically before the floods.

I firmly believe that if positive action is not taken by the GurSikh community to assist these people right now then these floods affected areas will fall into the hands of the anti- Sikh activities (drugs, alcohol abuse etc) in the very near future. The people who are suffering wont stand by and see their children starve or suffer, they will turn to anyone (non-Sikh groups etc) who will offer them a helping hand. If you love Panjab and care about the future of our next generation then its time to act NOW!!

If anybody wishes to come to Panjab and wants to offer financial assistance to the people due to not trusting Khalsa Aid or other groups, I will be very happy to assist them.

Ravinder Singh

www.khalsaaid.org