— Students leading anti-drug efforts will be honoured at district and state levels
— Health Minister flags off ‘War Against Drugs’ marathon from Polo Ground
• — Thousands of students and residents join marathon under leadership of DC and SSP Patiala
CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, April 23:
In a powerful push to the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday called upon children to become ambassadors in the state’s intensified battle against drugs, announcing that those championing anti-drug efforts will be honoured by the state government at both district and state levels.
The declaration came as the Health Minister flagged off a massive ‘War Against Drugs’ marathon, organised by the Patiala District Administration under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav and SSP Dr Nanak Singh, at Polo Ground this morning.
Calling children as the “Real Heroes” of this battle, Dr Balbir Singh urged them not only to stay away from drugs themselves but also to spread awareness among their peers about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
Addressing a gathering of more than 10,000 participants comprising students, teachers, social workers, and residents, the Health Minister emphasised Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a “Rangla Punjab”. He said the state government has been working to transform Punjab into a hub of sports and education by building playgrounds and libraries in every village under the Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan initiative.
“Our national icons, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Baba Saheb Dr BR Ambedkar, and Lal Bahadur Shastri, drew strength from education and national awareness. Today, we remember them with pride,” said Dr Balbir Singh, while urging students to follow their footsteps. “Our students are our heroes, they must pledge to never fall prey to addiction and become role models for others,” he added.
Quoting Albert Einstein and Elon Musk, he said that drugs are shackles that hinder progress, whereas education lights the path forward. “The children of Punjab must walk the path of knowledge and become beacons in the fight against drugs. The government will recognise and honour such students,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav welcomed all participants and expressed hope that the enthusiastic participation of Patiala’s youth would lead the district toward becoming drug-free. SSP Dr Nanak Singh extended gratitude to the people of Patiala for their continued support to the Punjab Police in this critical mission.
An anti-drug oath was also administered during the event, and National Theatre Arts Society (NTAS), under the leadership of Padma Shri Pran Sabharwal, performed a powerful play against drug abuse.
The marathon witnessed participation from Municipal Corporation Mayor Kundan Gogia, Deputy Mayor Jagdeep Singh Jagga, Jasbir Singh Gandhi, Balwinder Saini, ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, SP Palwinder Singh Cheema, Joint Commissioner Deepjot Kaur, and officials from various departments. Several NGOs and local residents also joined in large numbers.
The route of the marathon, organised in collaboration with the police, education, health, and sports departments, commenced from Polo Ground and passing through YPS Chowk, Thikriwal, Fuhara Chowk, Leela Bhawan, Baradari, Sheranwala Gate, and Phul Cinema, concluded back at Polo Ground via Modi College Chowk.
