Preity Zinta donates Rs.30 lakh for Himachal Pradesh disaster relief through Punjab Kings
Digital Desk
Bollywood actress and Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta has stepped forward to support flood-affected families in her home state of Himachal Pradesh by donating Rs.30 lakh towards disaster relief efforts. The generous contribution comes as the state battles one of its worst monsoons in recent history, with extreme weather events causing widespread devastation.
Direct Support Through Trusted NGO
The donation has been transferred to Almighty Blessings, a Shimla-based charitable organization founded by Sarbjeet Singh Bobby. Bobby confirmed that Zinta transferred the funds directly into the NGO's account on Saturday, stating that the contribution will help expand relief activities to Kullu, Manali, and Chamba districts.
The connection between Zinta and the NGO was established through her family's involvement in community service. Bobby revealed that Preity's brother, a serving Army officer, and her mother participated in the organization's langar seva (community kitchen service) at Indira Gandhi Medical College & Hospital in Shimla. This visit facilitated the actress's generous contribution to flood relief efforts.
Expanding Relief Operations
Sarbjeet Singh Bobby, known locally as "Bobby ji," has been instrumental in disaster relief work across Himachal Pradesh. His organization has already undertaken relief work worth approximately Rs.1.45 crore in flood-affected areas including Seraj, Mandi, and Banjar. With Preity Zinta's donation, the NGO plans to distribute Rs.50 lakh in total to affected families in Kullu, allocating Rs.25,000 to each family.
The humanitarian has previously pledged Rs.50 lakh specifically for Kullu district and donated Rs.1.25 crore to help disaster-stricken families in Mandi. Through Almighty Blessings, Bobby has been providing essential services including free funeral van services, blood donation camps, and community kitchens for nearly three decades.
Punjab Kings' Broader Relief Efforts
This contribution is part of Punjab Kings' comprehensive flood relief initiative. The IPL franchise has also donated Rs.33.8 lakh for flood relief in Punjab, partnering with Hemkunt Foundation and Round Table India through their "Together for Punjab" campaign. The Punjab relief funds are being used to procure inflatable rescue boats for family evacuations, medical emergencies, and delivery of essential supplies including clean drinking water.
Devastating Monsoon Impact
Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by monsoon-related disasters since June 20, 2025. Official figures indicate that 430 people have lost their lives, while the cumulative economic loss stands at approximately Rs.4,900 crore. The state has witnessed extreme weather events including incessant rainfall, cloudbursts, landslides, swollen riverbanks, and flash floods causing large-scale destruction and communication disruptions.
In Kullu district alone, 69 villages have been affected by landslides and flooding. The Matla village has developed cracks extending over one kilometer, with significant damage to local infrastructure and historical temples.
Personal Connection to Himachal
Preity Zinta, who hails from Rohru in Shimla district, has consistently demonstrated her commitment to her home state. The actress completed her education in Shimla and has maintained strong ties to the region throughout her career. Bobby noted that Zinta's family regularly engages in community service work, with her mother and brother continuing to participate in relief efforts.
The Indian Meteorological Department has indicated that conditions are becoming favorable for the withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from parts of Himachal Pradesh over the next three days, potentially bringing relief after months of extreme weather.