*Dr. Baljit Kaur Calls for People’s Participation to Make Punjab Drug-Free; ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ Gains Momentum as a Mass Movement*

*State-Level Event Held at Malout Under Punjab Government’s Campaign Against "Yudh Nasheyan Virudh"*

*Over 100 Sports Kits Distributed to Inspire Youth; ‘Drug De-addiction Mitras’ Honoured*

Chandigarh/Malout/Sri Muktsar Sahib, September 16:Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government’s flagship campaign ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) gained further momentum at a state-level awareness programme held in Malout today. Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, attended as Chief Guest and urged all sections of society to work together for a drug-free Punjab.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Baljit Kaur said drug eradication requires collective efforts and active public cooperation. She said the government is combining strict action against drug peddlers with awareness, rehabilitation and youth engagement, with the campaign producing positive results through grassroots participation.

She said anti-drug committees have been formed at village and urban levels, while the police are keeping informants’ identities confidential. Strict action is being taken against smugglers, including confiscation of illegal properties and demolition of unauthorised constructions linked to drug-related activities.

Highlighting Punjab’s youth, Dr. Baljit Kaur said their courage, hard work and dedication have brought laurels to the state and country in defence services, sports, agriculture and other fields. She appealed to them to become ambassadors of a healthy and progressive Punjab and support friends moving towards drugs with care and encouragement. She also urged parents, teachers, Panchayats, youth clubs and social organisations to contribute actively.

The Cabinet Minister said the government is channelising youth energy into positive activities. Around 3,000 sports grounds are being developed across Punjab, while initiatives including ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ and ‘Mukh Mantri Gym’ are promoting healthy lifestyles.

Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed more than 100 sports kits containing hockey, football, volleyball and cricket equipment among villages and wards of the Malout Assembly constituency. She also honoured ‘Drug De-addiction Mitras’, including Anganwadi workers, with appreciation certificates for their role in spreading awareness.

Cultural presentations highlighted the harmful effects of drugs. The play ‘Aao Koshish Kariye’ was staged under the direction of Madam Surinder Kaur and renowned theatre personality Kirti Kripal. Students of PM Shri Government School presented Malwai Giddha and choreography performances, while Maria delivered the message of a drug-free society through a solo dance.

Those present included Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Shri Devi Goyal, SDM Shri Pankaj Kumar, Chairman Cooperative Bank Punjab Shri Jagdev Singh Bam, Chairman District Planning Committee Shri Sukhjinder Singh Kauni, Chairman Market Committee Malout Shri Jashan Brar, Chairman Simarjeet Singh Lakhewali, district officials, social organisation and youth club representatives, police and civil administration officials, and residents.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also administered an anti-drug pledge to the youth, sportspersons, members of Yudh Clubs and dignitaries, reaffirming their commitment to a healthy, prosperous and drug-free Punjab.

========================================

Celebrating a Scholar, Statesman Panjab University Hosts Grand Launch of Festschrift: A tribute to the Academic Leadership and Mentorship of Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya

Chandigarh, September 16:A grand book launch ceremony was held today at the Seminar Hall of ICSSR, Panjab University, Chandigarh, to release the felicitation volume titled Festschrift: A Tribute to the Academic Leadership and Mentorship of Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya.

The volume celebrates the illustrious life, scholarship, dynamic leadership, and inspiring mentorship of Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya, a renowned scholar, critic, literary teacher, and administrator.

In his remarks on the occasion, Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, students, and the editorial team for compiling the volume, reflecting fondly on his academic journey and emphasizing the vital role of critical thinking, mentorship, and ethical leadership in modern education.

The editors of the volume, Dr. Sushma Arya and Prof. S.P.S. Dahiya, noted that the publication stands as a collective tribute to Prof. Dahiya's lifelong dedication to literary scholarship, academic leadership, and mentorship, celebrating his vast contributions across higher education.

Celebrating a Legacy of Learning, Leadership, and Literature, the newly launched Festschrift commemorates Prof. Bhim S. Dahiya's vast contributions across academic and public spheres.

Prof. Shelley Walia, Retired Professor of English, Panjab University, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Dr. Abhai Maurya, Former Vice-Chancellor of EFLU, Hyderabad, attended as the Guest of Honour and Dr. R. C. Kuhad, Former Vice-Chancellor of Central University, Narnaul, chaired the solemn proceedings.

Speeches and academic reflections were delivered by Prof. K. K. Gautam, Prof. Akshay, Prof. Pankaj Sharma, and Dr. Ujjwal Sharma, who shared personal anecdotes and highlighted Prof. Dahiya's profound influence on higher education.

Speakers at the function praised Prof. Dahiya as a visionary educator who preserved high academic standards while nurturing young teaching talent. The release of the ‘Festschrift’ volume marks a milestone in celebrating his enduring mentorship and lifetime commitment to literary scholarship.

The felicitation volume has been edited by Dr. Sushma Arya and Prof. S. P. S. Dahiya and Dr. Prem Singh, Retired Professor of Delhi University, served as a key member of the organising committee.

The ceremony witnessed a large gathering of former students, faculty colleagues, and admirers of Prof. Dahiya. His family members, including his son Tribhuwan Dahiya and daughters Dr. Divya and Dr. Hema, were also present.

Notably, Prof. Dahiya served with distinction as the Vice-Chancellor of Kurukshetra University (1993–1996), Pro-Vice Chancellor (1992–1993), Chairman of the Department of English at Kurukshetra University, and Registrar of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak. Since 2008, he has served as President of The Shakespeare Association (India).

A leading scholar on Ernest Hemingway, Prof. Dahiya completed his Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati, USA, where he was awarded the prestigious Taft Fellowship. His pioneering thesis offered an original perspective on the Hemingway hero, challenging established Western critical frameworks.

Beyond academia, Dr. Dahiya represented the Rohat constituency as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 1982, maintaining an unblemished record of political integrity, moral conviction, and public duty.

Throughout his career, Prof. Dahiya spearheaded numerous national and international seminars, fostering high standards of literary research and mentoring generations of scholars in English literature across Haryana and India.