Chandigarh, October 12
In a powerful show of solidarity, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from Australia and New Zealand pledged their full support to Mission Chardikala, a global fundraising initiative launched by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to aid the rehabilitation of flood-affected regions in Punjab. During a virtual townhall with prominent NRIs, Mann sought their cooperation to rebuild the state ravaged by unprecedented floods, assuring that every penny collected will be used transparently for the welfare of Punjab’s people.
Virtual Engagement with NRIs
In the interactive session, Mann praised the Punjabi diaspora in Australia and New Zealand for their deep emotional and developmental ties to their homeland. “NRIs have carved a niche in these countries through hard work but never forgot their roots. They have played a pivotal role in developing villages, promoting sports, and preserving Punjab’s rich cultural heritage,” he said. The townhall connected diaspora members from Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, and Auckland to the mission, encouraging contributions through the Rangla Punjab Fund via CSR and philanthropy.
Scale of Flood Devastation
Mann detailed the catastrophic impact of the 2025 floods, describing them as one of Punjab’s worst tragedies. The floods affected:
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Over 2,300 villages and 2 million people
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Destroyed crops across 5 lakh acres
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Claimed 60 lives and left 7 lakh people homeless
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Damaged 3,200 government schools, 19 colleges, 1,400 clinics/hospitals, 8,500 km of roads, and 2,500 bridges
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Initial damage estimates: Rs. 13,800 crore, potentially higher
“This is Punjab’s greatest test, but our history shows we emerge stronger from every crisis,” Mann stated, emphasizing the state’s resilience.
Mission Chardikala: A Call to Action
The Mission Chardikala, inspired by the Sikh spirit of optimism and strength, is a global campaign to raise funds for the rehabilitation of flood victims. Mann highlighted that philanthropists have already stepped forward, and the mission aims to unite Punjabis worldwide to rebuild the state. He assured transparency, stating, “Every single penny will be spent judiciously for the welfare and rehabilitation of flood victims.” Relief efforts will commence on Monday with the distribution of cheques from the Rangla Punjab Fund, starting in the worst-hit Majha region.
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Addressing Political Criticism
Mann criticized opposition parties for politicizing the crisis, accusing them of blaming the state government for their own vested interests. He noted that floods, driven by global warming, have also affected regions like Mexico, yet opposition leaders targeted him unfairly. Despite this, he thanked youth, NGOs, and religious organizations for their contributions to the relief efforts.
Facilitating NRI Contributions
To enable NRI participation, Mann announced the creation of the Rangla Punjab Fund, as NRIs cannot contribute to the CM Relief Fund. He also noted that MPs have contributed over Rs. 20 lakh from their MPLAD funds, though some leaders opposed the initiative for political reasons. Mann urged NRIs to become integral to the rebuilding process, ensuring relief reaches “the last man in the queue.”
NRI Support and Appreciation
The NRI community, including leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and representatives of Punjabi associations, assured generous contributions to Mission Chardikala. They lauded Mann’s leadership and the state government’s efforts to restore normalcy in flood-hit areas, pledging their unwavering support for this noble cause.
Event Attendees
The virtual meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Advisor for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali, and other officials.
