Healing after the deluge: Art of Living brings light, relief & hope to flood-hit Mandi

In the wake of devastating floods, cloudbursts and landslides triggered by relentless rainfall in Mandi district on June 30, hundreds of families have been rendered homeless and many individuals remain missing. Amid this humanitarian crisis, The Art of Living Foundation, in collaboration with the International Association for Human Values (IAHV), has stepped in to provide both critical relief and emotional healing to affected communities.

Founded by globally respected humanitarian and spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, both organisations have been working around the clock to deliver urgent aid and support long-term rehabilitation.

Since the disaster struck, Art of Living’s dedicated relief teams have been stationed across the hardest-hit villages — Thunag, Janjehli, Shilhhi, Baghi, Siraj Valley, Bagachnogi, Lambathach, Bridge, Bara, Dharampur, Sundernagar and Sambal (Bagsiyad) — coordinating efforts to deliver life-saving resources.

Often trekking for hours through rugged terrain, volunteers reached remote locations inaccessible by vehicles, carrying hope and help on foot.

Responding to urgent needs, the teams have distributed: hundreds of solar lamps and solar-powered streetlights; tarpaulin sheets for temporary shelter; clean drinking water, essential food supplies and medicines; blankets, clothes, footwear and cooking utensils; and school bags and stationery kits for students in areas like Bagsiyad and Thunag.

Working hand-in-hand with local communities, volunteers also identified and delivered essential household items such as gas stoves, trunks and wardrobes — vital for families trying to rebuild their lives and prepare for the months ahead.

But the response hasn’t been limited to physical aid. Recognising that true recovery includes emotional resilience, Art of Living volunteers have initiated daily meditation and post-traumatic stress relief sessions in villages such as Bagsiyad, Thunag, Daizy, Pandushila, Shilbaghi and Bagachnogi.

These sessions are being led on-site by Sadhvi Amrita, who is offering both psychological and spiritual support to those in distress. “The atmosphere is heavy with fear and loss. Through breathing techniques and meditation, people are finding a little peace. We are doing everything we can to support their emotional well-being.”

To ensure transparent and effective delivery of aid, the organisations have worked in close coordination with the local administration, making sure help reaches those who need it most.

Himachal Tribune