Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on Tuesday called upon youth to play a leading role in making the state drug-free while inaugurating an inter-college cultural competition at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar.
The event was organized under the Punjab Government’s anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ through the initiative ‘Janun-e-Punjab,’ aimed at spreading awareness against narcotics through cultural programmes.
Addressing students, Arora said Punjab stands at a crucial juncture and emphasized that the younger generation’s participation is vital in eliminating drug abuse. He said Punjabis have historically shown courage in overcoming challenges and expressed confidence that the youth would defeat this menace with determination.
The minister stated that the government is working on a dual strategy — cracking down on drug supply through strict enforcement while simultaneously reducing demand through awareness campaigns and community participation. He reiterated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government is following a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers.
Arora also warned that no individual would be allowed to violate the law, adding that drug smugglers must either stop their illegal activities or leave Punjab. He highlighted that Punjab has become the first state in the country where every family is being provided health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh under the Chief Minister’s health scheme.
GNDU Vice-Chancellor Karamjeet Singh extended support to the campaign, stating that the university and its affiliated colleges would actively participate in spreading awareness. He said departments, including psychology and other academic units, would organize programmes across Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot districts to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
The three-day inter-college cultural competition began with performances by students from various colleges presenting anti-drug messages through artistic expressions. Around 11 different competitions are being held, with winners to be honoured at the conclusion of the event.
Several dignitaries, including local administrative and police officials, were present at the inauguration ceremony. Organizers expressed hope that such initiatives would inspire collective responsibility and ignite a renewed commitment among youth to build a drug-free Punjab.
