CHANDIGARH: Reiterating their firm commitment to help the flood ravaged state, NRIs from Australia and New Zealand on Sunday assured fulsome support and cooperation to the Mission Chardikala started by the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
During a virtual meeting with the NRIs from Australia and New Zealand, the Chief Minister commended the strong emotional and developmental bond of the NRIs with the Indian diaspora. He said that these NRIs had carved a niche for themselves in these countries through hard work and dedication but had never forgotten their motherland. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that NRIs have always played a key role in the development of their villages and cities, promotion of sports and even for perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of the state.
The Chief Minister said that this NRI Townhall is an interactive virtual session designed to connect Punjabi diaspora in Australia and New Zealand with the mission Chardikala. He said that mission is aimed at gathering global support for Punjab’s relief and rehabilitation efforts adding that NRIs can play an important role in the rebuilding exercise of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann showcased Punjab’s resilience and highlighted the ongoing recovery projects to the NRIs and invited diaspora members to participate in the Rangla Punjab Fund through CSR and philanthropic contributions.
The Chief Minister informed the NRIs that the state recently witnessed floods of such magnitude that it will remain etched in public memory for generations. He said that the floods didn’t just bring water but they swept away millions of dreams adding that it was one of the most horrifying tragedies in Punjab’s recent history. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that this is also Punjab’s greatest test, but history has shown that the state always emerges stronger from every crisis.
The Chief Minister bemoaned that the floods have submerged over 2, 300 villages, affected more than 2 million people, and destroyed crops across five lakh acres of land. Tragically, he said that around 60 lives were lost, and around seven lakh people were rendered homeless adding that 3, 200 government schools were damaged, 19 colleges reduced to rubble, 1, 400 clinics and hospitals were ruined, 8, 500 kilometers of roads were destroyed, and 2, 500 bridges collapsed. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per initial estimates, the total damage amounts to approximately Rs 13, 800 crore, though the actual figure can be even higher.
Apprising the NRIs about Chardikala Mission, the Chief Minister said that it is an initiative aimed at supporting the welfare of flood victims in Punjab. He said that several philanthropists have already come forward to support the Chardikala Mission. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Mission Chardikala is a global fundraising campaign which has been launched to raise funds for the state government’s rehabilitation initiatives for the 2025 Punjab flood victims.