Mata Ganga Khalsa College students, employees collect funds to build boat for areas hit by deluge

In an endeavour unique in itself, students and staff of Mata Ganga Khalsa College (MGKC), Manji Sahib Kottan, have prepared a boat by collecting funds from amongst themselves to assist their fellow brethren hit by the fury of the floods.

As a group of four friends — Sukhchain Singh, Pawan Kumar, Gurvir Singh and Amanveer Singh — all students of Mata Ganga Khalsa College were brainstorming ways to help the flood hit. They devised a plan to build a boat — an idea which they immediately shared with the principal and staff, who in turn provided them the necessary financial assistance for the same.

There was no looking back for the group after that. Utilising their collective skills and resources, they dedicated a week to complete the project.

“As we began our project, we decided to make a boat which should be strong and sturdy and at the same time flawless. So, we requested the college for technical assistance which was readily provided without any delay. After a week, our boat, with a capacity to carry seven-quintal load, was ready to be deployed to assist in rescue and rehabilitation efforts of the government and non-government organisations,” said Sukhchain.

Sukhchain with his friends then took the boat to Dera Baba Nanak and handed it over to the flood hit people. “The villagers, whose lives have been completely derailed, had no words to express their gratitude towards the college which has emerged a saviour of their lives and property,” he said.

Dr Roopa Kaur, along with the college staff, said the zeal to pull out those stuck in floods, was complete in these children. “We used to get fatigued standing by their side all day long, but these busy bees, continued even after sunset, with a sole motive of lessening the sufferings of their brethren as early as possible,” they said.

“We have undertaken countless community welfare projects, but this one is the best and the most unforgettable. The smile we could bring on the soiled faces of the affected was enough to forget the cost, the labour and the time spent on preparing the watercraft. We realised that this small endeavour of ours is sure to make a huge difference —the one of shielding lives,” shared Gurveer and Amanveer.

Mata Ganga Khalsa College Principal Dr Gagandeep Singh shared that the students expressed their wish to assist the flood-hit for which they required both financial and technical assistance. “I called the staff immediately and shared the noble wish of students. I am proud of my staff which did not think twice before donating their hard-earned money for the project. Together, we were able to collect around Rs 50,000 the very next day,” the principal said.

“On one hand, the principal, staff and students arranged resources to prepare a boat for the flood hit, on the other, the administration seems to be somewhat reluctant to utilise watercrafts lying idle in various fun parks particularly in Doraha. The residents have demanded relocation of these boats for the flood-hit areas of the state as these are definitely less expensive than human lives,” said Jandeep Kaushal of Doraha.

Ludhiana