Chandigarh, February 7: The realization of the golden dream of  VIKSIT BHARAT by 2047 depends on a robust young generation. They need positive direction to move away from the drug menace. Their abundant energy must be channeled towards the welfare of society and the Nation. Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria expressed these views today. He delivered an inaugural address at the conclave. The topic was Stress Management and Drug Addiction in Universities & Colleges of Punjab. This event took place at the Punjab Raj Bhavan.

Governor emphasized the significance of making our children stress-free

The Governor called for united and concerted action to wipe out the drug scourge. He emphasized the significance of making our children stress-free. This approach helps greatly in having a positive impact on their personality.  Underlining the role of educational institutions in saving Punjab from the clutches of drugs, Sh. Kataria said that emphasis must be on engaging the children in extra co-curricular activities. These activities should be in the academic institutions. This engagement will mould them into future leaders and role models. We must stay on guard against the nefarious designs of some countries. They aim to harm India through drug trafficking when they can’t defeat India by waging a war.  Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria divulged that the NDPS Act should be implemented in full force. He expressed satisfaction about Punjab having the highest conviction rate of 85 percent under the act. This is the highest in the entire country.

appealed to the Vice Chancellors to ensure that their Campuses are drug free

In his valedictory speech, the Governor stressed that addressing drug abuse requires more than just holding events. It calls for a deep, sustained commitment across all levels of society. He appealed to the Vice Chancellors to ensure that their Campuses are drug free. He further suggested publicizing a campus as “drug-free” only if it genuinely is. If not, authorities must intensify efforts until it achieves that status.. This commitment, he insists, should extend beyond the university campus. It should include affiliated colleges. Prevention and education must start early.

The youth needs skill and education focused on industrial demands

Earlier, the Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab, Dr. Balbir Singh said that the supply chain should be broken to stop the inflow of drugs. Punjab doesn’t produce drugs. It is only a transit state. The youth needs skill and education focused on industrial demands. Additionally, micro financing should provide financial assistance to young people. This can propel them into starting their own ventures, as mostly unemployed youth take to drugs. The Minister highlighted that women and children suffer the most from the drug and crime nexus. He advocated for innovative educational techniques. He emphasized reaching out to children, especially at the formative level.

Gaurav Yadav highlighted the narco terrorism being perpetrated by Pakistan

The DGP, Punjab, Mr. Gaurav Yadav highlighted the narco terrorism being perpetrated by Pakistan from across the border. He also discussed the steps taken by State Police to combat the issue. The DGP also informed that property worth Rs. 387 Crore of drug smugglers stands frozen in Punjab. On the occasion, Prof. Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru shared her views. She discussed understanding the problem and approaches to intervention. This was alongside Prof. Dr. Seema Mehrotra also from NIMHANS, who dwelled upon Mental wellness among students in higher education. On the occasion, various such as Prof. Renu Vig from Panjab University Chandigarh, Prof. S.S. Gosal from PAU, Ludhiana, Dr. Manpreet Manna from Chandigarh University, Dr. Sandhir Sharma from Chitkara University, Prof. Karamjeet Singh from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and  State Program Officer, Mental Health and De-addiction, Punjab, Dr. Sandeep Bhola also aired their views on drug abuse and stress management. Among others present on the occasion included the ACS to Governor – Mr. K. Siva Prasad, Principal Secretary to the Governor – Mr. Vivek Pratap Singh, Mr. Sagar Setia IAS, Former VC GNDU Amritsar Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu and Lalit Jain Director Census & Citizenship, MHA.