On Friday, August 12, 2016, southeast Louisiana and parts of Mississippi experienced catastrophic flooding, affecting hundreds of people. The area, already impoverished, was devastated by what was considered the most destructive flooding in the USA since Hurricane Sandy. In response to this crisis, many individuals sought aid and numerous donations began to pour in.

UNITED SIKHS recognized the urgent need for a coordinated relief effort. The primary tasks were to mobilize our volunteers, gather necessary resources such as food, emergency aid, and hygienic materials, and establish a support base to assist those affected by the floods.

Under the leadership of Gurvinder Singh, the SIKH AID Director at UNITED SIKHS, a robust relief operation was launched. Volunteers, including local residents like Rajendra Kaur Pannu, played a crucial role in these efforts. Pannu generously opened her home to the UNITED SIKHS volunteers, allowing us to prepare traditional Indian food for those in need. The organization, with the help of dedicated individuals like Satnaam Singh, successfully set up a base camp in Louisiana, coordinating the distribution of hundreds of pounds of food and provisions. UNITED SIKHS also issued a public appeal for more volunteers and donations to sustain and expand their relief efforts.

Harbans Singh (local Lake Charles resident), Harjinder Singh (Treasurer of Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar, Lake Charles), Satnaam Singh (Secretary of Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar, Lake Charles), Gurvinder Singh (Director Sikh Aid, UNITED SIKHS), Guntas Kaur (Volunteer, UNITED SIKHS)

The immediate actions taken by UNITED SIKHS and the unwavering support of volunteers and donors led to a significant positive impact on the affected communities. The relief efforts provided essential aid to those in dire need, demonstrating the power of collective action and compassion. The Sikh tradition of ‘Langar,’ which emphasizes equality and community service, played a pivotal role in uniting people during this crisis. As a result, the relief operation not only addressed the urgent needs of the flood victims but also reinforced the organization’s commitment to humanitarian service, fostering a spirit of resilience and hope among the affected population.