World-famous Indian photographer Raghu Rai His family announced his death on Sunday. He was 83 years old. Ray was born in Jhang in undivided Punjab in 1942, and was a construction engineer by training.
He became an iconic photographer documenting India’s complex social and political life.
But his relationship with him Punjab remained intact, with a clear show of affection and solidarity during difficult times during the devastating floods that hit the state in 2025, even though he lived and worked in Delhi.
Raghu Rai’s call for action during Punjab floods
Raghu Rai supported a relief initiative aimed at helping victims of devastating floods that submerged more than a thousand villages in Punjab in the latter half of 2025.
The ‘Punjab Publications’ initiative, conceived by Rai’s daughter Avani Rai, who is also a photographer, was intended to raise money for relief efforts on the ground by a group called Global Sikhs, supported by Way India, which focuses on rehabilitation.
The initiative highlighted the severe impact on livelihoods and resilience of affected communities through ‘Shardi Kala’, the concept of resilience from Sikhism.
“In response to the devastating floods in Punjab this year, which have displaced thousands of families and caused massive losses to homes, farmland and livelihoods, we are coming together to raise funds for the long-term relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding of Punjab. This fundraising campaign is not only about immediate relief, but also about solidarity with Punjab’s Charhadi Kala – its spirit that is indeed still alive – and ensuring continued support for communities whose lives continue to be severely impacted long after talks have faded.” posted on Instagram at the time.
“A group of photographers and artists from around the world – in collaboration with @theglobalsikhs and methodindia – have put together a selection of prints and artwork to raise funds for the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts of Global Sikhs,” he added.
Photographers who have come together for Punjab Publications include Dheeraj Paul, Suman Mishra, Kartik Avatani, Srinwanto Sanyal, Prajwal Mohite, Shankar Raman, Painter Chandu, Promila Bahri, Shreya Rana, Avani Rai, Ishika Mohan Motwane, Raghu Rai, Marylees Vignu, Ananth Menene, Vembu Durai, Dheeraj Dhiman, Stop Boss Sarkar, Aditi Mayer, Yash Sheth, Gaurav Ujale, Jishnu Bandyopadhyay, Reed Burman, Fareed Bawa, Sonia Bhamra, Harnail Patel, Nihal Makhani, Nitish Mohanty, Abhit Gidwani, Divyansh Gupta, Zahra Amiruddin, Nirveer Rai, Avinash Jai Singh, and Sohail Singh.
All proceeds from the campaign will be used directly by Global Sikhs, “who are working tirelessly on the ground to support families affected by the floods,” Rai said at the time.
Each A4 print was signed and made a $1000 donation $10,000 on the link provided by Ray. According to his publication, there were a total of 20 publications available. However, more details about the initiative were not publicly available.
Punjab floods 2025
The 2025 Punjab floods of August and September were a severe disaster, described by officials and reports as the worst flood crisis in the state in nearly four decades, drawing comparisons to the devastation of 1988.
Floods caused by heavy monsoon rains in the upstream states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with subsequent water spills from major dams, inundated thousands of villages and caused widespread damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
