Munish Sood
MANDI: In the wake of a devastating water-related calamity that has left several families displaced and grieving, Nagrik Sabha Mandi, a community welfare organisation, has once again demonstrated the true essence of social responsibility.
Under the leadership of sabha president, its executive members visited the temporary shelter at Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara at Paddal to extend a helping hand to former councillor Krishna Devi, a resident of Jail Road. The elderly woman has been residing at the gurdwara following the tragedy that struck her family and neighbourhood. The sabha provided her with financial assistance of Rs 75,000, handed over through three different cheques.
Krishna Devi’s story is one of unimaginable loss and quiet resilience. Her younger son, daughter-in-law and grandson were all washed away in a flash flood. Left with a shattered family and no permanent shelter, she found temporary refuge at the gurdwara, where she has been staying since the targedy. Her eyes still carry the silence of loss, but her presence reminds us of the quiet courage borne from grief.
Just yesterday, she had travelled to Kiratpur Sahib with surviving family members to immerse the ashes of her loved ones. Today, upon her return, members of Nagrik Sabha visited her again — not just to offer financial help, but to assure her that she was not alone. “We saw a woman who has lost everything, yet stands with folded hands and moist eyes. No amount of money can bring her family back, but our gesture is a small attempt to support her,” said a sabha member.
Earlier, the sabha team had gone to her house immediately after the incident, but found it abandoned. Only later did they discover the family had shifted to the gurdwara. Their continued follow-up and compassion reflect the deeper values of community support and shared humanity.
The act is not a standalone initiative. In the last few weeks alone, Nagrik Sabha Mandi has provided over Rs 1.80 lakh in disaster relief, particularly to families from the Seraj region. Their continued efforts, both in the 2023 disaster and now in 2025, highlight the organisation’s commitment to standing beside the people in times of need.
“This support is possible only because of the contributions made by compassionate individuals from our society. We thank each and every one of you for your generosity,” said Neeraj Handa, spokesperson of Nagrik Sabha Mandi.
As Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with unpredictable climate events and natural disasters, community organizations like Nagrik Sabha Mandi offer a ray of hope, showing that humanity and solidarity are the strongest forces of recovery.
