Ludhiana, June 27 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday launched the ‘Soorma’ (warrior) campaign and honoured drug-rehabilitated people with specially crafted ‘Soorma’ rings and T-shirts.

Declaring it as the next phase of the state’s anti-drug movement, the Chief Minister said the initiative aimed to transform recovered drug victims into “Ambassadors of Hope”, who will lead the fight against addiction at the grassroots.

Felicitating individuals who have remained drug-free for over two years, he announced that they will not only inspire others to overcome addiction but will also be provided with employment opportunities by the state government. Reiterating that sports are the most lethal weapon against the drug menace, he announced that by July 15, around 3,100 village sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will become operational across Punjab to channelise the energy of youth in a positive direction.

He said the state’s simultaneous focus on quality education, universal healthcare, sports infrastructure and rehabilitation is laying the foundation for a drug-free and Rangla Punjab.

CM Mann stated the youth had taken a historic step by overcoming addiction after losing everything to drugs. He said today they were being honoured because they had displayed extraordinary courage in defeating addiction, despite the social stigma attached to it.

“There is a huge social stigma associated with drug addiction. Once people come to know that someone is addicted to drugs, they even stop talking to that person. These young people have gone through that pain and trauma, but today they are ready for a new beginning and are prepared to serve society,” he said.

“These youth have overcome the illness of addiction and can now help others by sharing their own experiences. The Punjab government is continuously strengthening the rehabilitation of drug victims, and world-class rehabilitation centres equipped with modern facilities are already being established across the state,” he said.

Highlighting the state’s achievements, CM Mann said the government has transformed the education sector by ensuring quality education in government schools, enabling Punjab to emerge as the number one state with a score of 27 by surpassing Kerala and several other states.

The CM said education is the greatest tool for eradicating poverty. “Children studying in our schools will become senior officers tomorrow and help lift their families out of poverty. Cards or freebies alone cannot eliminate poverty, but education certainly has the power to do so,” he added.

–IANS

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