GNDU drives rehabilitation efforts forward

As floodwaters begin to recede, rebuilding efforts have commenced across the affected areas. The scale of damage is extensive, impacting infrastructure, crops, homes, schools and essential public facilities.

Taking a leading role in the rehabilitation efforts, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has pledged full support to the district administration for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected regions of Amritsar district. In a high-level meeting held recently, the university reaffirmed its commitment to transforming an adopted village into a model village under its social responsibility initiatives.

The meeting was attended by Member of Parliament Vikramjit Singh Sahney, MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ajnala SDM and senior GNDU officials. Discussions focused on immediate relief measures, restoration of basic infrastructure and long-term rehabilitation strategies for the affected villages.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh expressed the university’s vision to develop the adopted village as a model for others. “The committee tasked with this responsibility will work with dedication and integrity, ensuring not only the village’s development but also inspiring other institutions,” he said.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) team at GNDU, led by Prof (Dr) Balbir Singh and Programme Officer Dr Aditya Parihar, reported that the initially assigned village was not severely impacted by the floods. As a result, GNDU requested the allocation of a more affected village to enable its NSS volunteers to carry out meaningful long-term rehabilitation work.

“GNDU has already launched a major campaign to support flood victims. A high-powered action committee has been constituted, comprising faculty members, non-teaching staff, officers’ union, pensioners’ union, students and alumni. University employees have collectively donated over Rs 50 lakh, equivalent to one day’s salary, to support relief efforts,” said Dr Balbir Singh.

He further emphasised that the adopted village will be developed as a model village, addressing all essential needs, from sanitation to residents’ welfare. “Special attention will be given to empowering youth and students through the university’s 53 skill development courses. GNDU will also bear the educational expenses of students affected by the floods,” he added.

The district administration will soon assign a flood-affected village to GNDU. Once the survey is completed, the university will immediately begin development work. Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh will personally inaugurate the initiative and has hinted that GNDU may adopt additional villages beyond the initial one.

Alongside GNDU, several non-profit organisations have also pledged their support for the rebuilding process. These include the Sun Foundation, Khalsa Aid, Reliance Foundation, Global Sikhs, various Rotary Clubs and NGOs from Ludhiana. Reliance Foundation has committed to adopting 23 villages.

Voice of Amritsar will install water purifiers to ensure safe drinking water and donate 1,000 school bags and 10,000 notebooks to support schoolchildren.

To coordinate and streamline the efforts of all participating organisations, a portal named Sanjha Uprala has been announced by the Akal Takht Jathedar, under which specific villages will be allocated to respective non-profits.