A significant dialogue on raising awareness against the drug menace was held at the Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh. The event, organized by the Joshi Foundation as part of its ”Solution Through Dialogue” initiative, aimed at generating actionable ideas to address Punjab’s drug crisis.

Overview of the Event

• Chairperson: Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab
• Participants: Prominent educationists, including Dr. Zora Singh, Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University

The core objective of the dialogue was to create a comprehensive repository of actionable ideas that could be employed to combat the growing drug crisis in Punjab.

Keynote Address by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria

In his keynote address, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria stressed the critical role of education in the fight against drug abuse. He emphasized the following points:

• Role of Education: Education should be harnessed as a powerful tool in preventing drug addiction, especially among the youth.
• Teachers as Catalysts for Change: Educators must play an active role in spreading awareness and providing preventive education about the dangers of drugs.
• Youth as a Valuable Asset: He highlighted the importance of protecting the youth from drug addiction and ensuring they are guided toward healthier lifestyles.

Governor’s Suggestions for Action

Shri Kataria outlined several strategies to combat the drug menace:

• Teacher Counseling Programs: Initiating counseling programs at the district, tehsil, and block levels to empower educators in addressing drug-related issues.
• Persistent Efforts: Despite the challenges, the Governor encouraged all stakeholders to stay resolute in their commitment to combating the crisis.
• Comprehensive Approach: He called for a holistic approach involving awareness, education, and community engagement.

Contributions from Other Key Figures

The event also featured valuable contributions from several notable personalities:

• Dr. Zora Singh, Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University:
  • Emphasized the need to integrate drug awareness into the academic curriculum.
  • Focused on creating supportive environments for students and promoting active participation in anti-drug initiatives.
  • Extended an invitation to Shri Gulab Chand Kataria for the upcoming annual convocation at Desh Bhagat University.
• Sh. Vineet Joshi, Founder of the Joshi Foundation:
  • Introduced participants from various educational institutions, including universities, schools, and colleges.
  • Shared practical remedies to combat drug abuse.
• Sh. Vijay Sampla, Former Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment:
  • Stressed the importance of utilizing drug rehabilitation centers effectively to rehabilitate affected individuals.
• Sh. Harjeet Singh Grewal, Founder-Director of Grewal Foundation:
  • Expressed his full support for the cause of combating drug abuse.
• Avinash Rai Khanna, Former Member of Rajya Sabha and Director of Khanna Foundation:
  • Advocated for collective efforts to eradicate the drug menace, particularly through awareness programs at the senior secondary school level.

Other Notable Participants

• Mr. Anshu Kataria
• Mr. Mohit Mahajan
• Mr. Ashwani Garg (SWIET)
• Dr. Parul from LPU

Conclusion: Commitment to Action

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to implementing the strategies discussed during the dialogue. The participants emphasized the need for strengthened partnerships between educational institutions and government bodies to effectively address and eradicate the drug menace in Punjab.