Punjab Lit Foundation Launches ‘Mothers Against Drugs’ to Combat Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth

Punjab Lit Foundation launches Mothers Against Drugs, empowering mothers to combat youth drug abuse through education and support workshops across Punjab.

on Sep 16, 2024

In response to the escalating drug problem in Punjab, the Punjab Lit Foundation has launched a new initiative called Mothers Against Drugs, aimed at empowering mothers to protect their children from the growing threat of substance abuse. The campaign, introduced on September 15, 2024, in Hoshiarpur at the Bullowal Community Centre, was led by author and former State Information Commissioner Khushwant Singh, along with Sanna Kaushal, Media Advisor to the National Commission for Women (NCW). The event saw a large gathering of mothers participating in training sessions on how to detect early signs of drug addiction.

Sanna Kaushal, the campaign's director, emphasized the importance of educating mothers across Punjab, positioning them as the frontline in preventing drug addiction. She highlighted the initiative’s goal of hosting similar events throughout the state to ensure that all mothers have the knowledge and tools to safeguard their children.

Body language expert Gaurav Gill provided a session teaching mothers how to identify behavioral patterns associated with drug use. Pankaj Mahajan, a recovered addict from Gurdaspur, shared his personal story of overcoming addiction, attributing his recovery to his mother's support. He revealed he had once spent over Rs 2 lakhs on heroin, locally known as "Chitta."

The Mothers Against Drugs initiative plans to organize workshops across Punjab, guiding mothers on how to spot behavioral changes in their children, intervene early, and foster a supportive environment at home. With most drug addiction cases emerging between the ages of 14 and 24, the campaign encourages vigilance, especially among mothers of teenagers aged 13 to 18.

The event received backing from the district administration and police, with Major Singh, SP PIB, providing information on reporting drug-related activities through anonymous helplines. Emergency contact numbers were also shared to aid in identifying drug dealers in local communities.

Additionally, the Punjab Lit Foundation is reaching out to MLAs, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police, encouraging them to adopt this initiative within their regions. Khushwant Singh expressed the hope that Mothers Against Drugs will grow into a statewide movement, enlisting every mother in Punjab in the battle against drug abuse. The project has been self-funded so far, but the foundation hopes for broader support in the future.