7 days ago
Chandigarh: Chandigarh administrator Kataria launches anti-drug awareness campaign
Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria, on Friday formally launched the 'Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign' started by Punjab Unaided Colleges Association (PUCA) in Chandigarh.
In his address, Kataria termed this campaign as the need of the hour and an important initiative towards social change. 'Zero tolerance for drugs is not just a slogan, it should become a lifestyle of society,' he said.
The Governor said that drug addiction is a social and national crisis, which slowly destroys the body, mind, relationships and future. Kataria said that the participation of more than 250 colleges in this campaign shows that it is no longer just an organisational initiative but has taken the form of a mass movement.
He thanked PUCA president Dr Anshu Kataria and her team for this commendable effort and said, 'your effort is going to give a new direction to the youth'. He stressed the need to free the youth from addiction and connect them with employment and purpose. The Governor urged the colleges to regularly organise mental health sessions, counselling, sports, cultural activities and de-addiction workshops so that students get a positive environment.
At the end of the programme, Kataria made the students, teachers and representatives of the institutions present take a collective pledge of, 'No to Drugs, Yes to Life.'
He also visited Chandigarh Spinal Rehab in Sector 28, interacted with patients, and shared words of encouragement. He described the centre as a sacred place where giving up is not an option and praised the patients for their courage and willpower. 'This is not merely a program, but a celebration of inner strength and renewed spirit. Many of you have turned adversity into a beacon of inspiration for others.'
Applauding the dedication of the entire team of Chandigarh Spinal Rehab, he added, 'you don't just provide treatment, you instil dignity and self-respect' and vowed continued government support for such institutions. Kataria added that the efforts made by founder Nicky P Kaur are unique and not many people take up such a noble and challenging initiative.
