Chandigarh, January 9, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
The Punjab Raj Bhavan, under the chairmanship of Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, hosted a dialogue on drug awareness with educationists of Punjab in association with the Joshi Foundation, Khanna Foundation, Grewal Foundation, and Sampla Foundation.
During the event, academicians from about 50 universities, schools and other higher education institutes expressed their views and pledged full support to effectively address the issue of drug abuse in Punjab. “The educationist also briefed the Governor about the various awareness activities being conducted on their campuses, which have resulted in a reduction in drug abuse among the youth.”
In his address, Punjab Governor Sh. Kataria highlighted the evil of the drug menace, emphasizing that it is not just a regional problem but a national crisis, particularly alarming in Punjab.
He stated, “This war against drugs can only be won through the joint efforts of all sections of society, including the government, social organizations, educational institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders. Enforcing laws is important, but it alone cannot solve the problem. Spreading awareness across all sections of society is equally crucial.”
The Governor underscored the importance of leveraging modern communication tools, such as social media, to spread awareness about the threats of drug abuse. He further suggested organizing public marches and community-driven campaigns to foster a collective response against this social evil.
Governor Kataria also acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the current wave of synthetic drugs, describing them as more life-threatening than traditional drugs. He pointed out that this has become a lucrative business for anti-social and anti-national elements, creating an even more urgent need for a focused and united approach.
Emphasizing the critical role of families and educational institutions, he remarked, “Parents and schools must serve as frontline warriors in this fight. Instead of ostracizing drug addicts, we must support them with love and acceptance to reintegrate them into society.”
The Governor called for systematic measures to address the issue, suggesting that teacher counseling programs should be initiated at the district, tehsil, and block levels.
He encouraged all stakeholders to remain resolute despite challenges, expressing confidence that persistent efforts would yield results. He also called for a compassionate and comprehensive approach, focusing on awareness, education, and community engagement.
The dialogue also featured key contributions from notable personalities. Shri Vineet Joshi, Founder of the Vineet Joshi Foundation, introduced participants from various schools and colleges and shared practical remedies to combat drug abuse.
Sh. Vijay Sampla, Former Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, highlighted the importance of utilizing drug rehabilitation centers effectively. He emphasized the need to accept and support addicts, helping them reintegrate into society instead of discriminating against them. Shri Harjeet Singh Grewal, Founder-Director of Grewal Foundation, extended his full support for this noble cause.
Shri Avinash Rai Khanna, Former Member of Rajya Sabha and Director of Khanna Foundation, stressed the need for collective efforts to eradicate this menace, especially by running awareness programs at the senior secondary school level to educate young students about the ill effects of drugs.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from all participants to intensify efforts in combating drug abuse.
A collective resolve was made to strengthen awareness campaigns, support rehabilitation efforts, and work collaboratively to create a drug-free society. This landmark dialogue at Punjab Raj Bhavan serves as a vital step towards uniting diverse stakeholders to address one of the most critical social challenges of our time.
