Padyatra to pledge: Chandigarh takes up fight against drugs

City Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, Commissioner Amit Kumar, MC councillors , officers and employees of the Municipal Corporation joined the Padyatra against drug addiction led by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.

The padyatra under the banner of the ‘Drug Free Chandigarh Campaign’ started from Punjab Raj Bhawan early morning.

As part of the awareness initiative, LED screens displaying impactful messages and placards bearing the slogan “Stay away from drugs, live life to the fullest” were carried throughout the rally, capturing public attention and spreading the campaign’s core message.

The rally aimed to raise public consciousness about the dangers of drug addiction and promote a healthier and more vibrant Chandigarh. The slogan “Choose Life… Choose a Drug Free Chandigarh” echoed strongly through the streets, encouraging citizens to join the movement for a drug-free society. Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla emphasised the significance of community-driven efforts in combating the drug menace, while Commissioner Amit Kumar reiterated the MC’s commitment to spreading awareness and supporting rehabilitation and prevention initiatives.

VC leads Panjab varsity contingent

As part of the “Nashe Se Door, Jiyo Bharpur” campaign, Panjab University (PU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig today led the university contingent at a padyatra to raise awareness against drug abuse.

Over 200 students participated in the padyatra. They were accompanied by Deans Student Welfare Prof Amit Chouhan, Prof Simrit Kahlon and Prof Naresh Kumar; and faculty coordinators, including Anupam Bahri and several hostel wardens and university officers.

The march commenced at 6 am from Government Model School, Sector 16, and culminated at Tiranga Ground, Sector 17, where Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria addressed the participants.

Earlier, PU students, teachers, officers and non-teaching staff assembled in front of the Administrative Block before proceeding together to join the march. Addressing the participants, VC Prof Renu Vig said:

“Such movements are crucial to building awareness in society. The youth are the backbone of our nation and their well-being is vital not only for their families, but also for the nation’s progress. Drug abuse destroys the potential of our youth. It is our collective duty to stop it. I urge students to not only say no to drugs but also report drug promoters and peddlers to the police authorities concerned.”

Beopar Mandal takes part in campaign against drugs

The Chandigarh Beopar Mandal (CBM), a trader welfare body, participated in the Chandigarh Administration’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” today.

Members of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal gathered in large numbers at Sector 17 Plaza to participate in the government initiative, inaugurated by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.

Prominent among those who attended the function included Sanjiv Chadha, CBM president; Charanjiv Singh, chairman; and Gian Chand Gupta, former Speaker, Haryana.

Chadha made an appeal to traders to discard all types of drugs, spread awareness against drug abuse through their retail shops.

The initiative aims to promote a drug-free society and demonstrate the traders’ commitment to social responsibility.