Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria today launched a two-day anti-drug march from the historic village of Beas near Jalandhar as part of the ‘Nasha Mukt-Rangla Punjab’ campaign. While addressing the gathering, the Governor urged women to unite against this social evil. Starting from the house of world-renowned runner Fauja Singh, the Governor led the march himself, walking the 8-kilometere stretch.
He emphasized that while governments are taking comprehensive actions to address the drug problem, its complete eradication requires collective efforts from all citizens. He particularly called on women to step forward and actively oppose drugs and aware their children.
He highlighted that drug addiction not only impacts an individual’s health but also brings suffering to their family, with women often bearing the brunt of this crisis. The Governor stressed that women, as an integral part of society, can play a crucial and effective role in eliminating the drug menace.
Governor Kataria pointed out that drugs are not only a problem in themselves but also lead to numerous associated issues, with crime being the most significant. A person addicted to drugs may resort to criminal activities to sustain their addiction.
Calling for mass participation in the fight against drugs, the Governor stated that no campaign can succeed without the cooperation of the people. He encouraged citizens to actively join this mission to create a drug-free future for the coming generations.
Organized with the joint efdort of the Indian Red Cross Society and prominent writer and social activist Khushwant Singh the march concluded at the village of Bhatthe today. Governor Kataria personally led the 8-kilometer journey on foot. On Wednesday, December 11, the march will advance from Bhatthe, covering a distance of approximately 7 kilometers, to reach its next destination at the Jang-e-Azadi Memorial in Kartarpur.
The event was attended by Lalit Jain, IAS, Director, MHA (Census and Citizenship), Chandigarh, and Shivdular Singh, former IAS and presently Secretary, Red Cross Punjab, who commended the Governor’s leadership and emphasized the importance of collective efforts to tackle the drug menace.
Following the march, the Governor honored runner Fauja Singh for his contribution to inspiring the younger generation