Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria flagged off foot march against drug menace

ANI April 3, 2025 143 views

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has initiated a powerful six-day foot march to combat the drug menace in Punjab's border districts. The padyatra, running from April 3-8, aims to mobilize public support and create awareness about the devastating impact of drug addiction. By involving local communities, schools, and institutions, the governor hopes to spark a collective movement against drugs. The march symbolizes a collaborative approach, emphasizing that solving the drug problem requires united efforts from government, families, and citizens.

"Until the public supports the fight against drug menace, it cannot be fought." - Gulab Chand Kataria
Chandigarh, April 3: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Thursday flagged off a foot march against the drug menace from Shri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to Dera Baba Nanak.

Key Points

1

Six-day anti-drug march covers critical border districts

2

Aims to raise public awareness about addiction challenges

3

Involves community participation from parents and local institutions

4

Highlights grassroots approach to fighting drug problems

This is a six-day anti-drug padyatra from April 3 to April 8, covering the Gurdaspur and Amritsar districts, to raise awareness and mobilise public participation in the cause.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said, "Until the public supports the fight against drug menace, it cannot be fought. Efforts have been ongoing for long in Punjab to fight this menace. Through this program, we will show the whole of Punjab and the nation how to make Punjab and India free from drugs. I promise to honor and respect your efforts."

"The government alone can't solve this issue; we need public support, especially from parents and sisters. For years, people in Punjab have tried to fight addiction in different ways, but we need a public awakening. When I visited a border district, mothers and sisters told me that the main concern was saving their children from drugs. Their pain was clear, as they watched their children suffer," Kataria said.

The foot march commenced on April 3 from Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur and will be culminated for the day at St. Francis Convent School, Dera Baba Nanak. On the 4th of April, the padyatra would start from Badesha Marriage Palace and conclude at SD College for Girls, Fatehgarh Churian, according to the statement released by Raj Bhavan.

The Amritsar leg of the padayatra would start on April 5 from Guru Harkrishan Public School, village Nawan Pind, and make a halt for the day at Guru Ramdas College of Nursing and Medical Sciences, Village Pandher.

On April 6, the yatra would start at Oxford School in the village Majhupura and end at SBS Nursing & Medical Sciences Campus, village Chetanpura.

On April 7, Circuit House, Amritsar, would be the starting point, while the ending point would be the Maharaja Ranjit Singh statue at Rambagh Garden in Amritsar.

On the last day, April 8, the yatra would begin from Deen Dayal parking at Bhandari Bridge and end at Jallianwala Bagh. According to the statement, the Yatra would commence at 7 am on all days.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is such an important initiative! Drugs have ruined so many lives in Punjab. We need more awareness campaigns like this. Kudos to the Governor for taking this step 👏
P
Priya S.
While I appreciate the effort, I wish they would focus more on rehabilitation centers than just awareness walks. Many addicts want to quit but don't have access to proper treatment facilities.
H
Harpreet D.
My cousin lost his life to drugs last year. It's heartbreaking to see so many young people falling into this trap. More power to everyone participating in this march! 🙏
A
Amit J.
Good initiative but will it actually reach the affected youth? Most drug users I know wouldn't attend such events. Maybe they should do outreach in colleges and villages too.
N
Neetu R.
As a mother, this issue terrifies me. We need to educate our children from young age about the dangers of drugs. Hope this march inspires more parents to have these difficult conversations.
S
Simran P.
Love seeing this kind of community action! The route covers so many important locations too. Maybe I'll join for a day with my college friends. Every small effort counts 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Punjab Drug Menace Gulab Chand Kataria Anti-Drug Campaign Punjab Governor Padyatra Drug Awareness
You May Like!