Sans hype, artistes aid flood-affected Sultanpur Lodhi

“One is safe only where one’s well-being is ensured. How long can you provide ration for someone whose crops are destroyed?” says singer Amar Noori. (Salamati ta otthe hi hai na, jitthe tusi safe vi ho. Ration kinni der de sakde ho je faslan kharab ho gaiyan.)

While celebrity relief, rescue and rehabilitation efforts for the Punjab floods have largely focused on the Majha region, the Doaba area has seen more visits from political leaders than artistes.

However, amid overwhelming community relief pouring in, some Punjab celebrities have quietly slipped in and done their bit — extending aid to the inundated villages of Sultanpur Lodhi, the worst-hit region in Doaba. As many as 115 villages in Sultanpur Lodhi have been affected by the 2025 floods.

Singer Amar Noori and comedian Bhana Bhagoda are among the first state artistes to visit the waterlogged villages around Baupur and Sangra, which have remained submerged for nearly a month.

Last evening, Amar Noori quietly brought supplies to Sultanpur Lodhi, spending hours interacting with flood-affected villagers, while Bhana Bhagoda has visited the region twice, declaring his solidarity with those impacted by the devastating floods.

Both have expressed deep concern for villagers and urged the ‘sangat’ to donate only what is genuinely needed, stressing the importance of verifying requirements before contributing. They repeatedly emphasise that real aid will begin once the waters recede. Bhana has donated 20 drums of diesel to the local population.

Dressed in a simple brown kurta-pajama, Bhana fondly referred to Baupur’s famed relief worker Paramjit Singh as a “Yodha” (warrior) aiding those in distress.

Known also for his deep admiration of slain singer Sidhu Moosewala, one of the first places Bhana visited in the village was a large mural of Moosewala painted on a local wall.

Before arriving in Sultanpur Lodhi, Amar Noori had appealed on social media for generous donations of sand to aid flood-affected villages in Ropar.

Speaking to The Tribune about flood relief efforts in Sultanpur Lodhi, Amar Noori said, “Safety is on dry ground. Your well-being depends on your safety. How long can ration help if your crops are destroyed? There is so much damage. Who will make up for it? What if the water comes again next year? Who will be responsible? Kaun bharpai kargua? (Who will compensate?)”

Noori added, “Etthe bhandar lagge hoye ne — par jehriyan saddian zameenan kharab ho rahian, faslan kharab ho rahian, jadon pani suk jana odon ki haal hona — oh cheez dekh ke mennu zyada dukh ho reha. Oh cheez theek honi chahidi hai. (There are piles of relief materials here, but seeing the state of our lands and crops being ruined and the work needed after the water recedes pains me the most. That must be addressed first.)”

She further stressed, “Look at the damage. The key efforts now must ensure that this area never faces such devastating floods again. This must be fixed first. This voice must be heard everywhere.”