Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday urged Punjabi artistes, singers, dramatists, and filmmakers to play a proactive role in complementing the state government's efforts to combat the drug menace.Interacting with noted Punjabi comedians Jaswinder Bhalla, Karamjit Anmol and Bal Mukund Sharma, the Chief Minister asked them to use their popularity with people to bring about the much-needed change on this count.These artistes, being the heartthrobs of millions of viewers who followed them on social media platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp, could help in changing the people’s perception towards drugs by leveraging their massive outreach, the Chief Minister asserted.Reiterating his firm commitment to combat the challenge posed by drug abuse, Captain Amarinder Singh stated that the role of the artiste fraternity was of paramount significance as they were capable of prevailing upon the common man in an emotional and persuasive manner, especially at a critical juncture when several innocent youth were falling prey to drugs.Their massive potential and people connect could be effectively used to positively influence the youth and create awareness about the ill effects of drugs, said the Chief Minister.
Expressing concern over the alarming trend of violence cult in Punjabi songs, the Chief Minister suggested that a healthy and positive content should be encouraged on the social media to discourage such negative propaganda. He exhorted the artistes and singers to evolve a consensus amongst themselves not to promote gun culture, obscenity and vulgarity in songs and videos which allure the innocent impressionable minds towards crime and hatred.To overcome this problem, the Chief Minister advised the artistes to create jingles, promos, short films and documentaries to imbibe the spirit of goodwill, love, compassion, and brotherhood in the society. Such a move would go a long way in changing the cultural mindset of the people, he added.Taking part in the deliberation, IG Bathinda Range M F Farooqui apprised the Chief Minister about the steps initiated by the district police to bring awareness amongst the masses about drug abuse. He also shared his experience and expertise during his stint with BSF in prevailing upon the youth hooked on drugs to lead a normal life in a dignified manner by organizing motivational camps.The meeting was attended, amongst others, by Principal Secretary to CM Tejveer Singh and Political Secretary to CM Captain Sandeep Sandhu.