Under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, the Punjab Government has decided to strike at the roots of drug abuse by focusing on education and prevention, with a comprehensive school-centric action plan aimed at safeguarding young minds. The initiative, being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, positions schools and educators as the first line of defence in the long-term fight against drugs.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, accompanied by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and architect of Delhi’s education revolution Manish Sisodia, interacted with principals and teachers during an ongoing Capacity Building Training Programme under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ at the School of Eminence in Phase 3B1, Mohali, where the leaders reviewed the progress of the programme and outlined the road ahead.
Explaining the government’s approach, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that while strict action is being taken against drug smugglers, the real and lasting victory would come from protecting children before they fall prey to addiction. “Education and prevention are our most powerful weapons in this decisive war on drugs. Guarding young minds through awareness, values and discipline is the only sustainable way to eliminate this menace from Punjab,” he said.
The Education Minister announced that from the coming academic session, senior secondary classes across Punjab will be sensitised about the ill effects of drug abuse through a specially designed curriculum. “This structured intervention would ensure that students receive age-appropriate, factual and value-based education on the dangers of drugs, enabling them to make informed and responsible choices,” he added.
Minister Harjot Singh Bains further informed that the Punjab Government will introduce a daily meditation period as a pilot project starting from Mohali district. “A meditation session of around 30 minutes will be held at the beginning of the school day to strengthen students’ mental discipline, emotional balance and moral values. This will help children build inner resilience against negative influences,” he said.
Stressing the role of teachers and school leadership, the Education Minister said that the capacity building of principals and educators was a crucial step. “This training marks a powerful beginning. We are equipping our educators to identify early warning signs, intervene responsibly and guide children away from drugs. Our mission is to protect every child and to prepare them to become torchbearers in this fight,” he stated.
Minister Harjot Singh Bains also revealed that every school has been equipped with a Complaint-cum-Suggestion Box to allow students to confidentially share information, without revealing their identity, about drug peddlers or any corrupt practices shielding them. “All inputs received would be analysed at a centralised level and acted upon swiftly and independently to ensure accountability and effective action,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia shared a few snippets on X and wrote: “The Punjab Government, under Phase 2 of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, is providing training to principals of all schools across the state. This training is focused on creating and sustaining a strong anti-drug environment within schools and on strengthening the mindset of every child so that they can firmly say a clear ‘no’ to drugs, without giving in to any pressure, provocation, or temptation.”
“The objective is to ensure that this resolve becomes a permanent part of their character and stays with them throughout their lives. These training programmes are being conducted across different districts, with psychologists and educationists engaging directly with principals to guide and train them,” he wrote.
Manish Sisodia further stated, “Today, I had the opportunity to participate in one such training programme in Mohali district along with Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. It was reassuring to see that the government is not only creating ‘pind de pehredaar’ but is also preparing ‘dimaag ke pehredaar’ to eradicate drug abuse from its roots and secure the future of the coming generations.”
During the interaction, teachers shared several innovative ideas on monitoring students more closely and guiding them in a positive direction. These suggestions were appreciated by both Harjot Singh Bains and Manish Sisodia, who encouraged educators to take ownership of the anti-drug mission within their schools.
Punjab School Education Board Chairman Dr Amarpal Singh was also present on the occasion. Earlier, girl students of the School of Eminence presented a Giddha performance with motivational lyrics, conveying a strong message on keeping society and Punjab free from the drug menace, reinforcing the spirit of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’.
