‘People’s Walk Against Drugs’ starts from Hoshiarpur

Former state Information Commissioner, Punjab, renowned author and co-founder of the Punjab Lit Foundation Khushwant Singh launched ‘People’s Walk Against Drugs-2 today. The 50-km long, five-day walk aimed at addressing the drug menace that continued to grip Punjab commenced from Chaunni Kalan village with an ardas to rejuvenate Punjab’s youth and free them from the clutches of addiction. It will conclude on December 11 at the Jang-e-Azadi Museum in Kartarpur.

The participants include Lt-Gen (retd) KJS “Dhillon Tiny”, former Director General of the DIA, along with sarpanches and panchayat members from Ghani Kalan, Boothgarh, Shergarh, Bajwara, Dholenwal and Nangal Shaheedan villages. A group of 100 girls from Sahyog NGO took part in the walk. They were carrying placards and raising slogans, advocating for a drug-free Punjab.

The walk made scheduled stops at various schools along the route and made the students aware against drugs. Six saplings and a football were given to each panchayat and school on the way during the walk. Soldiers from the Army Recruitment Centre in Jalandhar also participated, motivating the youth to explore career opportunities in the Army, Navy and Air Force, and highlighting Punjab’s proud legacy in defence.

Khushwant said, “The message is simple: Stay away from drugs. Approximately 6.6 million people in Punjab are using drugs, including 7,00,000 children. This is unacceptable for a state that prides itself on its courage and resilience. I urge children to take an oath, a solemn pledge that come what may, they will not consume drugs.”

This initiative follows Khushwant’s last year’s 100-km walk from New Chandigarh to Khatkar Kalan.

Punjab Governer to join on December 10

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria will join the walk on December 10 and 11, covering 15 km along the Alawalpur-Kartarpur road. He will make stops at some points to interact with students, youth clubs and villagers, aiming to understand the gravity of the issue and inspire collective action against drugs.