The recent floods in the Punjab state of India have caused havoc all around. Thousands of acres of fertile farmland have been wept away by the rivers. Countless schools, hospitals, colleges and other institutions have been destroyed or severely damaged. Thousands of animals have been swept away by the raging flood waters. Close to 60 people have lost their lives. More than 9,000 kilometers of roads have been severely damaged. Thousands of people have been made homeless. This catastrophe has shaken not only the people of Punjab but all the Punjabis around the globe. During the past few weeks Punjabis and non-Punjabis alike have been raising funds to help the flood victims of Punjab. For example, in the Metro Vancouver area several of our community radio stations, community organizations, places of worship and individuals have raised millions of dollars to help the flood victims. These efforts are commendable. Our brothers and sisters in the Punjab need help in putting their lives back on track again. 

There is no doubt that people of India in general and Punjabis in particular are very hard working, resilient and generous. They will go out of their way to help those in need. Whenever and wherever a calamity or a natural disaster has struck they are there to help.  In times of need the NRIs living abroad have been in the forefront to help the needy. Prompt response by the NRIs to the current situation caused by floods in the Punjab has been amazing. Our brothers and sisters in Punjab need our help now more than ever before.  

At India Cultural Centre of Canada Gurdwara Nanak Niwas, 8600 #5 Road, Richmond, the Gurdwara Management Committee has also started a fundraising campaign to help the needy in the Punjab. It has been receiving very encouraging response from the Sangat. We are very thankful to each donor. Every dollar counts.  Every donor   will get a tax-deductible receipt from the Gurdwara Management. For further information, potential donors can contact the Gurdwara Management at 604-274-7479 or the undersigned at 604-836-8976. The Gurdwara Management will ensure that every dollar collected here goes to the people who need help the most. It will make sure that the donated money is sent through a fully authorized registered entity in India. Thank you.