Patiala, August 1:
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday said that the fight against drugs is not solely the responsibility of the government or the police, but a collective responsibility of society. He described drug abuse as a serious challenge not only for Punjab but for the entire country, alleging that anti-national forces are attempting to weaken the nation by trapping its youth in the menace of drugs.
The Governor was addressing a National Conference on “War Against Drugs – Towards a Drug-Free Punjab” at the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala. Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh was also present on the occasion. Vice Chancellors from various universities across Punjab joined the conference and pledged their support towards combating drug abuse.
Expressing confidence in the ongoing efforts, Kataria said that the combined initiatives of the government, administration, educational institutions, social and religious organisations, and the general public can eradicate the drug menace from its roots. Calling for a mass movement to protect the younger generation, he said safeguarding youth is essential for securing the nation’s future.
Highlighting the Punjab Government’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, the Governor said the initiative extends beyond action against drug traffickers. It also focuses on creating awareness among youth, providing treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting education, sports, and skill development.
He urged universities, schools, and other educational institutions to play a proactive role in research, awareness campaigns, and community participation to prevent drug abuse. He also appealed to Vice Chancellors and educationists to ensure drug-free campuses and personally reach out to students struggling with addiction to help them recover.
“Now is the time to act. Young people trapped in addiction need compassion rather than rejection. As a society, we share the responsibility for creating these circumstances, and it is now our duty to help them overcome this challenge,” Kataria said.
Addressing the gathering, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh also shared his views on tackling the drug menace. He was accompanied by the First Lady of Haryana, Mitra Ghosh.
Welcoming the dignitaries, RGNUL Vice Chancellor Prof. Jai Shankar Singh said the university has been actively supporting the Punjab Government’s anti-drug campaign by providing specialised legal training to police officers to strengthen investigations and prosecutions against drug traffickers, ensuring stricter legal action and higher conviction rates.
Delivering the keynote address, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Pushpinder Singh Gill shared practical strategies for addressing drug abuse as a social challenge. Punjabi University Vice Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh and Guru Nanak Dev University Vice Chancellor Dr. Karamjeet Singh also emphasised the crucial role educational institutions must play in building a drug-free society.
Conference Organising Secretary Dr. Jasleen Kevalani informed that the event was jointly organised by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University, and Punjabi University, Patiala.
She said the conference aimed to deliberate on the growing challenge of substance abuse and explore a comprehensive strategy involving educational institutions, legal awareness, sports, rehabilitation, and community participation.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by RGNUL Registrar Prof. Ivneet Walia.
The event was attended by Vice Chancellors from various universities, senior police and administrative officials, faculty members, researchers, and students in large numbers, including SSP Varun Sharma, SP Vaibhav Chaudhary, ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, and several academicians and researchers.
On the occasion, several books, including works authored by Prof. (Dr.) Jai Shankar Singh, Dr. Jaswinder Kaur, and a book written by Dr. Birender Singh and edited by Dr. Jasleen Kevalani, were also released during the conference.
