As part of the Punjab against Drugs Campaign, the Rupnagar Police on Thursday organised a hockey match for boys and girls at Hawks Club, the aim of which is to protect students from drugs by promoting sports. On this occasion, while addressing the students, Education Minister Mr. Harjot Singh Bains said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Police is strictly performing its duty to eradicate drugs and action has been taken against the drug traffickers on a large scale.
He said that on one hand the state government is honouring the players with prize money and on another hand, players are being empowered by employment on a large scale.
Cabinet Minister said that in order to root out drugs in Punjab, the Chief Minister, Punjab has taken a pledge that the youth of Punjab should be protected from drugs.
Education minister said that the purpose of these hockey matches is to connect the students with sports, where our students will be physically and mentally strong and they also avoid drugs. Keeping this goal in mind, such anti-drug awareness campaigns are being conducted in every district of the state.
On this occasion, Mr. Bains administered a pledge to all the students to create a drug-free society and raise their voice against drugs. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav said that a drug addict is not guilty but a sick person, who should be treated and encouraged to lead a drug-free life.
Dr. Preeti Yadav further said that a person suffering from drug addiction can be treated in government de-addiction centres and OOAT centres where necessary medicines are provided free of charge. We should all come together and raise our voice against drugs by supporting the civil and police administration.
On this occasion, ADGP Mr. Jaskaran Singh said that strict action is being taken against the drug sellers under the campaign against drugs by the district police, while awareness activities are also conducted from time to time. He said that if any of our friends or relatives are stuck in the mire of drugs, it is our moral responsibility to take the initiative for their treatment and counselling.
SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana said that no stone would be left unturned to keep the youth away from drugs. Nobody will be spared who indulged in the illegal business of drugs.
He said that the goal of inviting world-famous sportsmen of international level in today's event is to create enthusiasm for sports among students and sportsmen.
During the hockey match, Arjuna Awardee, former captain of India's hockey team and present SP Headquarters Mr. Rajpal Singh Hundal also shared his life experiences with the students and asked the students to give maximum support in the anti-drug campaign launched by Punjab Police. Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and senior officials honoured Hawks Club founder S.S. Saini, athletics Olympian Ranjit Singh, hockey player Olympian Dharamveer Singh, hockey player Gurinder Singh, kayaking canoeing players Yugraj Singh and Navpreet Kaur, shooting players Jasmin Kaur and Khushi Saini.
On this occasion MLA Rupnagar Advocate Dinesh Chadha, MLA Sri Chamkaur Sahib Dr. Charanjit Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pooja Sial Grewal, SDM Mr. Harbans Singh, S.P. Tarun Ratan, DSP Tarlochan Singh, DSP Manjit Singh, DSP Gurmeet Singh, DSP Ajay Kumar, DSO Rupesh Kumar including a large number of sportspersons and students and senior officials were present.