- Punjab Raj Bhavan organizes a conclave on stress management and drug addiction for universities and colleges in Punjab and Chandigarh.
Chandigarh, February 9, 2024 — The Administrator of Chandigarh and Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, today inaugurated a conclave on Stress Management and Drug Addiction in Universities and Colleges of Punjab and Chandigarh at the Punjab Raj Bhavan. He stated, “The realization of the golden dream of VIKSIT BHARAT by 2047 rests on the shoulders of a robust young generation. It is essential to provide them with positive direction to help them overcome the drug menace and channel their abundant energy toward the welfare of society and, ultimately, the nation.”
The Governor urged for a united and concerted effort to eradicate the drug problem. He emphasized the importance of creating a stress-free environment for students, as it significantly contributes to their positive development. Sh. Kataria highlighted the crucial role of educational institutions in protecting Punjab from the drug crisis. He stated that engaging students in extracurricular activities within schools and colleges is essential, as this involvement helps shape them into future leaders and role models.
In his valedictory speech, the Governor emphasized that addressing drug abuse requires more than just organizing events; it demands a deep and sustained commitment from all levels of society. He urged the Vice Chancellors to ensure that their campuses are drug-free. Additionally, the Governor recommended that a campus be designated as “drug-free” only if it meets that criteria. He insisted that the university administrators intensify their efforts if their campus does not qualify until it achieves the required status. He stressed that this commitment should extend beyond the university campus to include affiliated colleges, ensuring that prevention and education begin early.
Dr. Balbir Singh, the Health & Family Welfare Minister of Punjab, stated that to curb the inflow of drugs, the supply chain must be disrupted, as Punjab does not produce drugs and serves only as a transit state.
During the event, Prof. Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, shared her insights on understanding mental health issues and approaches to intervention. Prof. Dr. Seema Mehrotra, also from NIMHANS, discussed mental wellness among higher-education students.
Prominent individuals who participated in the deliberations included:
- Prof. Renu Vig, Panjab University, Chandigarh
- Prof. S.S. Gosal, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
- Dr. Manpreet Manna, Chandigarh University
- Dr. Sandhir Sharma, Chitkara University
- Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
- Mr. K. Siva Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor
- Mr. Vivek Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor
- Mr. Sagar Setia, IAS
- Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Former Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
- Mr. Lalit Jain, Director of Census & Citizenship, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
Source: Chandigarh Administration
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