Amritsar-In an official statement issued today, Officiating Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, said that during the ongoing flood situation in Punjab, organizations have expressed the true spirit of Chardi Kala (ever rising spirit) by carrying out large-scale Sewa (voluntary service) of relief work and delivering essential supplies to affected people. He emphasized that such acts of selfless service reflect the unique character of Punjab, the land blessed in the name of the Sikh Gurus.
The Jathedar said that while the floods have caused extensive damage of people’s homes, crops, livestock and agricultural implements in Punjab, the need for sustained relief efforts and health services will continue for a long time even after the waters recede. He also expressed concern over some unpleasant incidents in recent days where volunteers of different organizations were harassed, calling such acts contrary to Punjab’s spirit. He praised all those young people of Punjab and the Khalsa Panth who, without caring for their lives, are continuously engaged in service activities.
Jathedar Gargajj highlighted that alongside different organizations, a large quantity of relief material is also arriving in Punjab from neighbouring states including Haryana, Rajasthan, and the Terai and Western region of Uttar Pradesh. However, in the absence of proper planning and coordinated management by the state government, there is a serious risk that this aid may not reach those in need, causing the selfless contributions of our people to go in vain.
He urged all organizations to verify the needs of affected families through village representatives before conducting relief work in any area. In case of surplus relief supplies, he advised depositing them in Gurdwara Sahibs under the management of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) or other local committees, so that the material remains safe and can be used effectively when required. He said that since the onset of the floods, gurdwaras have been running langar, healthcare, and other relief services continuously for nearly three weeks.
The Jathedar further appealed to the SGPC and local gurdwara managements to issue instructions that if organizations or groups bring relief materials to their gurdwaras, arrangements should be made for their safe storage, with a separate record maintained. Whenever required, the stored supplies should then be distributed to the needy, he said.
Strongly condemning mischievous elements, Jathedar Gargajj criticized those who are trying to inject communal, caste-based and derogatory rhetoric in Punjab’s Majha region during this time of crisis, while in reality, the organisations are offering relief service to every family in need. He pointed out that people of different faiths and regions have praised the Sewa (voluntary service) being carried out in Punjab, with aid also flowing continuously from the state’s villages and cities to flood-affected areas. He also called upon the organizations to identify such mischievous elements and expose their mischief publicly.