Who is most evil of all? On Dasehra, effigies of drugs set afire in Malerkotla

While Ravana has traditionally been a symbol of evil that must be crushed, this year, people of this region of Malwa celebrated Dasehra with a difference. This time, people have come to understand that the real 'rakshasa' that must be urgently vanquished is drugs.

Coming together on a common platform, office-bearers of various social, educational and government organisations burnt the effigies of drugs, raised along with those of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhkaran with the intent to discourage drug abuse among youth of Punjab.

Initially launched by office-bearers of Rotary District 3090, comprising parts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, the movement launched against drugs was joined by several social and educational organisations.

Chief adviser Rotary District Amjad Ali said workshops, seminars and exhibitions were held during the campaign against drug abuse under the supervision of district governor Sandeep Chauhan and past district governor Ghanshyam Kansal.

Senior police personnel led by SSP Gagan Ajit Singh installed effigies of drugs at various venues, including Ram Lila and Dasehra Grounds and educational institutes.

DSP (Special Branch) Ranjit Singh Bains said the campaign launched by Rotary International was launched by Ahmedgarh DSP Rajan Sharma by installing an effigy of drugs at the Ram Lila stage of Trimurti Kala Manch at Gandhi School in Ahmedgarh.

SP (H) Swaranjit Kaur represented the Malerkotla district police during a similar function at New Public School in Chaunda village.

Sandeep Chauhan appreciated that office-bearers of over 100 Rotary Club units had come forward to spread awareness about the causes and consequences of drug abuse by organising events in their respective areas. “While small effigies symbolising drugs were burnt at several places, enthusiasts organised declamation contests, seminars and exhibitions at other places,” he said.

Meanwhile, festive fervour prevailed at Malerkotla, Amargarh and Ahmedgarh.