Emphasising that protecting the younger generation from the menace of drugs is a shared responsibility of society, the Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, on Monday led a massive anti-drug awareness walk in Ferozepur as part of the state’s ongoing campaign to make Punjab drug-free. Organised with the objective of restoring Punjab’s vibrant spirit and eliminating drug abuse, the awareness walk commenced from Saragarhi Gurudwara Sahib and culminated at the School of Eminence, Ferozepur city.
Prior to the walk, the Governor paid obeisance at 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, 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 stated that drug abuse not only destroys individuals but also causes irreparable damage to society, and stressed that only collective and sustained efforts can 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 that the future of the state can be secured only when its youth are guided onto the right path.
While noting that the Punjab Government is implementing a phase-wise anti-drug campaign, he emphasised that its success depends on the active participation of educational institutions, religious bodies, social organisations, political parties, panchayats and the general public. The Governor made a special appeal to women to take a leading role in anti-drug awareness campaigns, observing that women, as mothers, sisters and daughters, have a decisive influence in shaping society.
Urging people to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of the 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 that the neighbouring hostile country is attempting to weaken Punjab’s youth by supplying drugs through drones.
He added that the 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 can 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.
Among those present were the Governor’s Principal Secretary V.P. Singh, Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma, Director Census Operations Lalit Jain, Red Cross Secretary Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, DIG Snehdeep Sharma, SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr. Nidhi Kumud Bambah, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Shri Arvind Kumar, SDM Ferozepur Ms. Lindhia (IAS, Trainee), Assistant Commissioner Shri Rajbir Singh, along with officers and officials from various departments, representatives of NGOs, religious and social organisations, and a large number of students from schools and colleges.