NewKerala.com

Punjab Governor Leads Anti-Drug Walk, Calls for Collective War on Narcotics

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria led a significant anti-drug awareness walk in Ferozepur, emphasizing that protecting youth from drugs is a shared societal responsibility. The event saw wide participation from political leaders, religious figures, educators, and thousands of students. Governor Kataria warned that a hostile neighboring country is attempting to weaken Punjab's youth by supplying drugs via drones, prompting state countermeasures. He asserted that winning the war against drugs requires collective resolve, with women playing a decisive leading role in awareness campaigns.

Key Points: Punjab Governor Leads Anti-Drug Awareness Walk in Ferozepur

  • Governor leads anti-drug awareness walk
  • Call for collective societal effort
  • Educational institutions key to campaign
  • Warning on cross-border drug supply via drones
  • Women urged to take leading role
3 min read

Protecting youth from drugs shared responsibility, says Punjab Guv

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria leads a major anti-drug walk in Ferozepur, urging society to unite and protect youth from drug menace.

"drug abuse not only destroys individuals but also causes irreparable damage to society - Governor Gulab Chand Kataria"

Ferozepur, Feb 10

Emphasising that protecting the youth from the menace of drugs is a shared responsibility of society, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, on Tuesday, led an anti-drug awareness walk here as part of the state's ongoing campaign to make a drug-free state.

Aiming to restore the state's vibrant spirit and eliminating drug abuse, the awareness walk commenced from Saragarhi Gurudwara Sahib and culminated at the School of Eminence in Ferozepur city.

Prior to the walk, the Governor paid obeisance at the Saragarhi Gurudwara Sahib and formally flagged off the anti-drug campaign.

The awareness walk witnessed wide participation from across the state, including Dera Beas Chief Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellors of several universities, heads of schools and colleges, leaders of various political parties, including Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, thousands of students, representatives of NGOs, social organisations and other eminent personalities, all of whom pledged their commitment towards building a drug-free Punjab.

Leading the awareness walk himself, Governor Kataria called upon all sections of society to unite in the fight against drugs.

He said "drug abuse not only destroys individuals but also causes irreparable damage to society", and stressed that only collective and sustained efforts could eradicate this social evil from its roots.

Addressing a large gathering at the School of Eminence after the walk, the Governor underlined the need to make educational institutions drug-free on priority.

He said the future of the state could be secured only when its youth are guided onto the right path.

While noting that the state government is implementing a phase-wise anti-drug campaign, Governor Kataria emphasised that its success depends on the active participation of educational institutions, religious bodies, social organisations, political parties, panchayats and the public.

The Governor made a special appeal to women to take a leading role in anti-drug awareness campaigns, saying that women as mothers, sisters and daughters have a decisive influence in shaping society.

Urging people to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus, he said that safeguarding Punjab's culture and values from the scourge of drugs is both a moral and religious duty.

Referring to cross-border threats, Governor Kataria said the neighbouring hostile country "is attempting to weaken Punjab's youth by supplying drugs through drones".

He added the state government has taken several stringent measures, including the deployment of anti-drone systems, to foil such conspiracies.

Concluding his address, the Governor asserted that the war against drugs could be won only through collective resolve and cooperation, expressing confidence that with the support of the people of Punjab, the mission to eliminate drugs would soon succeed.

On the occasion, blankets were also distributed among the needy.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I'm glad he highlighted the role of women and mothers. In our society, a mother's influence is profound. If awareness starts at home, we can save many young minds. Schools and colleges must also have regular counseling sessions.
A
Aman W
Walks and speeches are good for awareness, but where is the concrete action on the ground? We need more rehabilitation centers that are affordable and accessible in rural areas. The youth need support and job opportunities, not just lectures.
G
Gaurav U
Seeing leaders from all parties walk together for this cause gives me hope. This is beyond politics. Protecting our youth is a national duty. The reference to Sikh Gurus and our culture is apt – we must fight this to preserve Punjab's future.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with NGOs in Punjab, the scale of the problem is heartbreaking. The collective approach involving religious bodies, panchayats, and educational institutions is the only way. The blanket distribution shows a holistic view of welfare.
K
Karthik V
The anti-drone systems are a good step, but we must also crack down on the local supply chains. It's a two-front war. Community policing where villagers report suspicious activity can be very effective. Jai Hind!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50