Chandigarh, August 7:The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today attended a workshop on 'Mothers Against Drugs', organised by the Punjab LIT Foundation and the Department of Education, Chandigarh Administration, at PM SHRI Government Girls Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 18, Chandigarh. The Administrator encouraged mothers to lead the fight against drug abuse, saying that the strong emotional bond between a mother and her child makes her the most effective force in preventing social evils and Drug addiction. He also urged educational institutions, parents, religious organisations and society to work together to protect the younger generation from the menace of drugs. The workshop was also attended by Education Secretary Ms. Prerna Puri, Director School Education Shri Nitish Singla, mothers, teachers, students and other officials of the Chandigarh Administration.

Appreciating the efforts of Shri Khushwant Singh, Co-founder of the Punjab LIT Foundation, the Administrator described the decision to centre the campaign around mothers as a "masterstroke", saying that no bond is stronger than that between a mother and her child. Recalling his interactions with mothers during his visits to Punjab's border areas, he said their deep concern for their children's future and their emotional connect with them inspired him to actively support the campaign to protect young people from the menace of drug addiction before it takes hold of their lives.

Shri Kataria said Punjab has a glorious legacy of courage, sacrifice and patriotism, shaped by great personalities such as Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Madan Lal Dhingra, Shaheed Udham Singh and Shaheed Bhagat Singh. He said the land that has always produced brave sons and daughters who strengthened the nation cannot allow its youth to fall prey to drug abuse. Emphasising that young people are India's greatest strength, he said drugs are weakening a valuable asset and called upon society to work together to protect the younger generation.

Expressing concern over cross-border drug smuggling, the Administrator said anti-national elements are attempting to weaken India's youth through narcotics, particularly in Punjab. He stressed that defeating this menace requires collective responsibility, with parents, teachers, educational institutions, religious organisations and society playing an active role in guiding young people away from harmful influences. He also urged teachers to build friendly, trusting relationships with students so they can understand their concerns and provide timely support. The Administrator said every child has immense potential and cited the lives of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to inspire students to overcome challenges through determination and education.

Shri Khushwant Singh said that the campaign initially focused on mothers of students studying in Class VIII and above. However, after extensive consultations with experts, it was decided to shift the focus to mothers of children studying in Class III onwards. He explained that experts have observed that the mother-child bond is strongest during the early formative years, making it the most effective stage for instilling values, building confidence and developing resilience against social evils, including substance abuse. Accordingly, the workshop was designed to engage mothers of younger children so that preventive awareness begins well before children become vulnerable to negative influences. He added that while the primary focus has shifted to younger age groups, the campaign continues to engage mothers of older children as well.

During an interactive session, Shri Gaurav Gill, associated with the Punjab LIT Foundation, shared practical parenting tips to help mothers (especially parents) build stronger emotional connections with their children. He emphasised that a healthy relationship based on trust, open communication and quality time is the most effective way to protect children from harmful influences, including substance abuse. He encouraged parents to listen without judgement, understand their children's concerns, and create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and challenges. According to him, a strong family bond is the best safeguard against every social evil.

Shri Kataria called for similar awareness programmes to be organised in every educational institution across Chandigarh so that the message reaches every student and every family.