Chandan Kumar, Project Coordinator, CYDA
The 2025 flood caused damage beyond imagination in Punjab. It took away homes, livelihoods, and a sense of safety. Many people stood helplessly and watched everything disappear. Yet, in the middle of this loss, there were also stories of courage, support, and humanity.
Ranjit (name changed) was a middle class farmer. He lived a peaceful life with his elderly parents, his wife who was six months pregnant, and their three year old daughter. They owned 20 acres of land. This gave them a feeling of security and success. On 27 August 2025, everything changed. At around 6:15 in the morning, floodwater entered their house. Within minutes, the house was filled with eight feet of dirty water.
In that moment, he had to make a painful choice. Should he help his old parents who could barely walk? Should he save his pregnant wife and small daughter? Or should he try to protect the cows and buffalo that were their only source of income? Somehow, the family managed to reach the roof. They stayed there for eight days under a torn plastic sheet. From the roof, they watched their 20 acres of green crops get destroyed. It was their life’s work. They had no food left. They survived only because a local Gurudwara provided langar. That food kept them alive during those dark days. Though the water went down but their struggle did not end. In fact, it became harder. The stress and fear had a deep impact on them. His wife suffered a miscarriage. The loss of their unborn child filled the house with silence and grief.
This is the hidden reality of many middle class farmers. People think they are secure because they own land. But without a harvest, the land brings no income. It only brings debt. Ranjit had to pay Rs. 2,500 for his daughter’s school fees. He also had to arrange food for his animals. But he had no money.
He had always helped others in difficult times. Asking for help made him feel ashamed. He felt helpless and lost. At one point, he even thought of ending his life. But when he looked at his daughter and his parents, he stopped himself. About 25 days after the flood, he went to the Gurudwara. There, he met the CYDA team. They listened to him with patience. For the first time, he shared all his fear and pain. This helped me to overcome his pain.
CYDA and Atlas Copco supported his family. They provided food for two months. They gave clean water, clothes, and fodder for the livestock. Most importantly, they gave emotional support. The family felt heard and understood. Today, the family is slowly rebuilding their life. With support from CYDA and the Gurudwara, they repaired their house. They started a small dairy farm for regular income.
The pain of the flood and the loss of their child is still there. But now, Ranjit does not feel alone. He has support and hope. This story shows how timely support and a listening ear can change everything. Even in the hardest moments, human connection can help people stand up again and rebuild their lives.
