Chandigarh: Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria Friday called on mothers to take the lead in the fight against drug abuse, saying their emotional bond with children makes them the most effective force in preventing addiction and other social evils.Addressing the ‘Mothers Against Drugs’ workshop at PM SHRI Govt Girls Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 18, Kataria urged educational institutions, parents, religious organisations and civil society to work together to safeguard the younger generation from the menace of drugs.The event was attended by education secretary Prerna Puri, director school education Nitish Singla, along with teachers, students, mothers and officials of the Chandigarh administration.Recalling his interactions with mothers during visits to Punjab’s border districts, Kataria said their concern for their children’s future had inspired him to actively support the anti-drug campaign. He stressed that early intervention was crucial to prevent addiction from taking root among young people.Highlighting Punjab’s legacy of courage and sacrifice, Kataria said the land of Guru Nanak Dev, Guru Gobind Singh, Madan Lal Dhingra, Shaheed Udham Singh and Shaheed Bhagat Singh could not allow its youth to fall prey to drug abuse. Describing young people as the country’s greatest strength, he said narcotics were undermining a valuable national asset.Expressing concern over cross-border drug smuggling, the administrator said anti-national elements were attempting to weaken India’s youth, particularly in Punjab, through the spread of narcotics. He emphasised that tackling the problem required a collective effort involving parents, teachers, educational institutions and religious organisations.Kataria also urged teachers to develop friendly and trusting relationships with students so they could better understand their concerns and provide timely guidance. Stating that every child has immense potential, he cited the lives of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr BR Ambedkar as examples of how determination and education can help overcome adversity.
