The communities and administration of Amritsar City comes this October & November, together with Police Commissionerate Amritsar under “The Hope Initiative” – a community engagement for ‘Drive against Drugs’. Even as the administration & Police are successfully targeting the supply part of the drug abuse, this Initiative aims to address the demand side of the problem of drug abuse by inviting the youth, communities, and influencing stakeholders with a hope of witnessing the golden days of the Golden City once again, with Golden Yellow as its theme colour.
“A lot has been happening to curb or prevent the supply side by the Police and various agencies. Through this initiative, we intend to be focusing on raising awareness with creative and purpose driven engagement of the youth, to contain the demand side which will build the confidence and the sense of belongingness with the city and its pride to reflect on the positive side” - Sh Naunihal Singh,IPS, Commissioner of Police, Amritsar City.
The Hope Initiative is in tune with Punjab Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann Ji’s commitment to achieving a drug-free Punjab by August 15, 2024. The Police Commissionerate is banking on Amritsar’s core heritage values of ‘Piety’ (Golden Temple), ‘Sacrifice’ (Jallianwala Bagh), and ‘Education’ (Khalsa College) for the success of its ‘Super Sixer’- The Hope Initiative, which is of the people, for the people and by the people of Amritsar.
The Hope Initiative has inherited these virtues of the City through three major aspects (3Ps) – ‘Pray, Pledge, Play’ which shall be the core of the battle against drugs.Inspired by sacrifice or our national heroes, warriors and their commitment for Independence, The ‘Pledge’ component draws on the legacy of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, motivating youth for the battle against drug menace and the ‘Play’ in cricket matches in the streets and stadiums across the district. As the city gears up for a month of cricketing excitement, courtesy The Hope Cup being organized under
More than 700 meetings with community & youth have been held by Police Commissionerate, Amritsar, to mobilize the masses in this regard. “Drug abuse has been rampant across Punjab for the past several years. The incumbent Punjab Government has taken forward the Comprehensive Action against Drug Abuse (CADA) to nail it with immediate effect. Commissionerate of Police, Amritsar is committed to implementing it with its all-around efforts” said Sh Naunihal Singh, IPS, Police Commissioner.
“Preventing new people from falling prey to drug abuse is one the focus areas of CADA; dissemination of information to youth and other citizens in Punjabi, Hindi, and English, running a persistent anti-drug awareness campaign on print, electronic, and especially social media, and producing and airing documentaries and video clips and street plays on drug addiction and its negative effects on TV channels during prime time, in theatres, multiplexes, and other social media platforms so that target audiences can easily access them are its key components,” he added.
And if the need arises, celebrities from different fields could be roped in as well. “Considering Punjabis’ love for Punjab and Cricket, The Hope Initiative is set to receive an overwhelming response. It promises to be a significant step in steering our youth away from drugs and encouraging them to channel their energies into sports, leading to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life,” he added.
“I am hopeful for a new beginning through this initiative for channelizing youth energy in a positive manner. Engagement and involvement of community at various levels through this campaign shall be unique and unprecedented,” said Sh Amit Talwar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar.
In the words of Maj (Dr)Varun Kumar, PCS, Chief Minister’s Field Officer, Amritsar- “This initiative is going to set new milestones and benchmarks in times to come, with such mass participation. As a fitness enthusiast, I appeal to everyone to come and play for themselves and for Amritsar for our brighter and stronger future. I hope that this campaign is going to set the tone for rolling out more champions”.
“Municipal Corporation, Amritsar (MCA) is happy to be part of The Hope Initiative in its efforts for Fight against drugs through a threefold approach of ‘Pray’, ‘Pledge’ and ‘Play’. This initiative will motivate the youth against drug abuse and create awareness in the community at large and lead Punjab into a golden future,” said Sh Rahul, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Amritsar.
Sh Ashok Talwar, Chairman, Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT), said “AIT has contributed to the development of community centric infrastructure and is proud to be part of The Hope Initiative in its awareness campaign for Fight against Drug abuse. We shall be happy to host the Gully cricket tournament and other events on our grounds for the benefit of youth and community”.
This phase of The Hope Initiative will be completed before Diwali, with series of events and activities led by the communities, NGOs and the people of Amritsar. All the key events during this period will be streamed online to ensure widespread participation.
For more details about the participation in Ardaas (Pray) event, online and offline Pledge, registration of teams for Play (cricket), Contribution by societies, NGOs, Citizens, etc. under The Hope Initiative activities, please visit www.hopeamritsar.com and contact on the mobile no. 7710104368.