Chandigarh, November 29: In a significant step toward addressing the critical issue of drug abuse among youth, a high-level meeting was convened at Punjab Raj Bhavan, chaired by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh. The Meeting was orgainised on the initiative of Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, GOI attended by Ms. Radhika Chakravarthy B Joint Secretary (SD), Prevention of Drug Abuse, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI and other key officials present in the meeting included K. Siva Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to Governor; Raji P. Srivastava SCS Social Security Women & Child Development, Punjab; Kumar Rahul, Secretary Health & Family Welfare; Parveen Thind Director Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI, Keshav Hingonia, Special Secretary Home Affairs & Justice Punjab; Sanjeev Rampal, DIG STF Punjab and Mr. Sukhwinder Singh Bindra member of the General Council (GC) of NISD.

The focus of the meeting was the upcoming Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India Campaign) awareness programme scheduled to take place in Ludhiana. An awareness walk would be led by the Governor himself on this occasion including students, healthcare professionals, legal experts, civil society organizations, sports bodies, spiritual organizations and Anganwadi workers, will come together as part of this initiative. Their involvement is the key to ensuring that the campaign reaches every corner of the community and addresses the problem at its roots. This walk will serve as a symbolic and powerful demonstration of the region’s collective commitment to eradicating substance abuse.

During the meeting, the Governor emphasized that public events like this are crucial for fostering a sense of solidarity and unity in the fight against drug abuse. The initiative is a vital part of the ongoing efforts to create a healthier, drug-free society by engaging communities and fostering a collective responsibility to tackle this pervasive issue.

Ms. Radhika Chakravarthy B Joint Secretary (SD), Prevention of Drug Abuse, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, GOI informed during the meeting that various creative and physical activities aimed at empowering the youth and spreading awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse would be conducted during the campaign at Ludhiana. These activities include an essay writing competition and a painting competition, specifically designed for girls. The winners of these activities would be honoured by the Governor. Sports kits would also be distributed to engage the youth in constructive activities and steer them away from drug abuse.