*Punjab Schools To Lead Year-Long ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ Campaign With Anti-Drug Awareness Activities*

*•Punjab Schools To Strengthen Anti-Drug Fight With Student, Parent And Community Engagement Under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’*

*•Over 21,000 Teachers Equipped To Identify Early Signs Of Drug Abuse As Punjab Intensifies School-Based Prevention Drive*

*•Anti-Drug Clubs, 500-Metre Drug-Free Zones, Tip-Off Boxes Among Measures To Make Punjab Schools Drug-Free*

CHANDIGARH, August 21:As part of the Bhagwant Mann Government’s campaign against drugs, ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh,’ schools across Punjab have been asked to undertake a structured series of activities to create awareness among students about the risks and consequences of drug abuse and promote healthier, drug-free lifestyles as part of this ongoing initiative.

According to the activity calendar issued by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), schools will undertake activities involving students, teachers and the wider school community throughout the academic year. For the month of August, students will make posters carrying anti-drug messages.

September will be dedicated particularly to involving parents in the anti-drug campaign. Schools have been asked to use Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) to make parents aware of the risks associated with narcotic substances and the importance of early identification and intervention.

In October, poetry writing and quiz competitions would be held. From November to February, local community members would be invited to share their experiences, apart from organising anti-drug abuse awareness workshops. An anti-drug abuse pledge would be taken in the morning assemblies and interactive sessions with students would be organised to make them aware of the risks of drugs and how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The schools have also been directed to establish drug-free clubs, with teachers, headmasters and non-teaching staff being nominated as members. They have also been asked to undertake awareness activities through creative and interactive formats, allowing students to engage with the issue beyond conventional lectures. Activities focusing on healthy lifestyles and informed decision-making form an important part of the programme.

Another major focus is to identify teachers who understand how to respond to drug-related concerns among students. More than 21,000 teachers are being equipped with the capacity and practical skills needed to identify early signs of mental health concerns and drug abuse among students and to intervene in time.

Also, the schools will use a video-based anti-drug curriculum to educate students about the risks and consequences of substance abuse. Alongside awareness activities, schools have been encouraged to install anonymous tip-off boxes, enabling students to report suspected substance abuse or related issues.

On this, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains’ stated, “The fight against drugs must begin in classrooms. 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 the drug menace in Punjab.”

Under the directions, schools have further been asked to ensure a 500-metre drug-free zone around school premises and periodically report compliance. A mechanism for monitoring the activities has also been mandated, with school heads and mentors required to review the work and maintain records, including photographs.

The year-long calendar is part of Punjab’s broader ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign and seeks to create a sustained prevention ecosystem in schools by combining student engagement, teacher capacity-building, educational content and community participation.

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*Mohinder Bhagat Directs Officials to Resolve Issues of Potato Growers and Cold Storage Owners on Priority*

*Cabinet Minister Reviews Horticulture Progress and Key Development Projects*

Chandigarh, August 21:The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working expeditiously to promote the horticulture sector and enhance farmers’ income. In line with this objective, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Thursday held a review meeting with officials in Chandigarh to assess the progress of the Horticulture Department and various development projects.

During the meeting, Administrative Secretary, Horticulture Department, Arshdeep Singh Thind and Director Horticulture Manish Kumar apprised the Minister of the progress being made in the horticulture sector across the state, along with the status of various development projects. Special discussions were held on the Rs.1,300-crore special JICA project to be undertaken in Punjab with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the ‘Apna Pind–Apna Bagh’ initiative, and the Horticulture Development Centre.

Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat directed officials to resolve, on priority, the issues being faced by potato growers and cold storage owners in the state. He also directed officials to expedite the completion of all departmental projects.

Minister Bhagat also emphasised the need to take necessary steps to encourage farmers to adopt allied occupations alongside agriculture, with the objective of further promoting horticulture. He said that the initiatives being undertaken by the government for the development of the horticulture sector must be implemented effectively at the grassroots level to ensure that their benefits reach farmers.

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*PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER KULTAR SINGH SANDHWAN DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ACTION FROM RAJASTHAN CM OVER VIOLENT ATTACK ON CJP VOLUNTEERS*

Chandigarh, 21August 2026:The Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan has issued an official statement following reports concerning an alleged attack on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener Ashutosh Ranka and accompanying volunteers in Rampura Kanwarpura, Jaipur district. He demanded from Rajasthan Chief Minister a high-level impartial probe into the incident and the immediate arrest of the perpetrators.

He said that CJP volunteers were travelling to inspect local government school infrastructure when their vehicles were intercepted and vandalized, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals. CJP leaders have publicly attributed the altercation to political opponents and questioned the response of local law enforcement authorities.

Addressing the incident, the Speaker Sandhwan expressed concern over reports of political violence and emphasized the importance of maintaining public order, democratic engagement, and the safety of public representatives.

"Disagreements and political differences must be addressed through constructive dialogue and lawful means. Any recourse to physical violence or destruction of property undermines democratic principles," he added.

The Speaker called upon the relevant state authorities and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter to establish the facts and ensure appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law.

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*Over 3.71 Lakh Visitors in 8 Months as CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Govt’s Wildlife Conservation Drive Gains Momentum: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

*Record Footfall at Chhatbir Zoo Reflects Success of Punjab Govt’s Wildlife Awareness Campaign: Lal Chand Kataruchak*

Chandigarh, August 21:The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s sustained efforts to promote wildlife conservation and public awareness are yielding visible results, with visitor footfall at the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir witnessing a significant rise. Sharing the details, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that in just the first 8 months of the present year, the zoo recorded 3,71,011 visitors, reflecting growing public engagement with wildlife preservation.

On this, Punjab’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, our government has worked consistently to sensitize people towards nurturing and preserving wildlife. The response from the public has been extremely encouraging.”

The Forests and Wildlife Minister informed, “The Chhatbir Zoo received 48,719 visitors in January alone, while 54216 people visited in February, 66377 in March, 40168 in April, In May 33134, June 71928, July 35980, and in August 20489 people visited the zoo to witness the diverse species of birds and animals in the serene and well-maintained surroundings.”

Highlighting the conservation-focused initiatives undertaken at the zoo, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “As part of our commitment to conservation and protection of wildlife, several pathbreaking initiatives have been implemented at the Chhatbir Zoo.” He added, “The country’s biggest and longest walk-in aviary has become a major centre of attraction. Alongside this, an ultra-modern dinosaur park has been set up to enhance the educational and recreational experience for visitors.”

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Guru Ravidas Ji’s 650th Prakash Purab: Drone shows to be held in assembly constituencies across Malwa, Doaba and Majha from September 1

12 Kirtan Samagams to be organised; seven already held; documentary based on Guru’s life and teachings being taken to all villages of Punjab: Deepak Bali

Four major Shobha Yatras from Kashi, Jammu, Faridkot and Bathinda to culminate at Khuralgarh Sahib on the eve of three-day State-level function

Chandigarh, August 21:Advisor to the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Punjab, Mr. Deepak Bali, today said that Punjab Government, under the visionary guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is organising a series of religious, cultural, educational and social programmes throughout the year to commemorate the 650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji with full respect and religious fervour.

Mr. Bali said that a major feature of the celebrations would be 92 drone shows covering all Assembly constituencies of Punjab. These shows would be organised in three clusters—Malwa, Doaba and Majha—and would commence from September 1.

He said that the drone shows would present the life, teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidas Ji through modern technology and provide an innovative medium for connecting the younger generation with the rich spiritual and cultural heritage associated with the great saint.

Addressing a press conference here today, Mr. Bali said that the celebrations have been planned on a large scale to take the life, philosophy and universal message of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji to every section of society, particularly the youth and people living in rural areas. He said that the programmes are aimed at spreading the message of equality, social harmony, brotherhood and human dignity given by the great saint. He said that a budget of approximately 100 crore has been allocated by the Punjab Government for this holy cause.

Mr. Bali said that under the year-long celebrations, 12 Special Kirtan Samagams are being organised at different places across Punjab, out of which seven programmes have already been held. He said that the remaining programmes would be organised as per the scheduled calendar.

He further said that a documentary based on the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji is being screened across villages, so that the younger generation and people in rural areas can learn about the saint's life, Bani and contribution to society.

Mr. Bali said that four major Shobha Yatras would be taken out including Varanasi to Khuralgarh, Faridkot to Khuralgarh, Bathinda to Khuralgarh and Jammu to Khuralgarh.

These Shobha Yatras, he said, would carry the message and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji to different parts of the State before culminating at Khuralgarh Sahib.

Mr. Bali said that a three-day State-level function would be organised at Khuralgarh Sahib.

While elaborating further details of the programme, he said that the first day, would feature an exhibition on the life of Guru Ravidas Ji, Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Sant Samelan and a conference on the Bani of Guru Ravidas Ji.

The second day would include Katha and Kirtan Darbar, a conference on the Bani of Guru Ravidas Ji, 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a drone show.

The concluding day would feature Katha and Kirtan Darbar, Begampura Samagam, 3D projection at Minar-e-Begumpura and a drone show.

Mr. Bali said that similarly, seminars and workshops on the life and legacy of Guru Ravidas Ji are also being organised at universities and educational institutions across Punjab from July to November.

He said that such programmes are being held at educational institutions across the state.

He said that these academic programmes would provide an opportunity for students, scholars and academicians to deliberate upon the teachings, Bani, social philosophy and legacy of Guru Ravidas Ji.

The Advisor further said that Guru Ravidas Ji’s Bagichis are being established on 650 acres of land across Punjab. Besides this, a major plantation drive is being undertaken under which 6.50 lakh saplings are being planted in every district.

He said that these initiatives would give a lasting social and environmental dimension to the year-long celebrations.

Mr. Bali said that a ‘Run for Equality’ Marathon would be organised at all district headquarters in the ongoing month, while Cycle Rallies would be held at all district headquarters in September.

He said that these programmes would further disseminate the message of equality and social harmony associated with the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji and encourage active participation of people, especially the youth.

Concluding his address, Mr. Bali said that the Punjab Government is committed to ensuring that the 650th Prakash Purab celebrations become a year-long people’s movement, with the teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidas Ji reaching every village, town and city of the State.

He appealed to the people of Punjab to participate enthusiastically in all the programmes and make the celebrations a befitting tribute to Sri Guru Ravidas Ji and his timeless message of equality, fraternity and universal brotherhood.

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*PATIALA TEACHER BRINGS LAURELS TO PUNJAB: WINS NATIONAL TEACHERS’ AWARD 2026*

*• Harjot Singh Bains congratulates teacher Dinesh Kumar*

*• Harjot Bains terms achievement a proud moment for govt schools, calls him an inspiration for teaching community*

Chandigarh, August 21-Bringing laurels to Punjab, Sh. Dinesh Kumar, a Teacher at Government Victoria Girls Senior Secondary School, Patiala, has won the prestigious National Teachers' Award 2026 for his exemplary contribution to education.

Notably, the award, one of the highest honours for educators in the country, is conferred by the President of India on Teachers' Day, September 5, every year in recognition of exceptional excellence, innovation and dedication in the field of education.

Extending his heartiest congratulations to Sh. Dinesh Kumar, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains called him an inspiration for the state's teaching community.

The Education Minister stated, “His recognition at the national level is a testament to the quality of education being imparted in Punjab Government schools and the relentless efforts of our teachers. The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering educators and transforming the educational landscape of the state.

S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised that the achievement would encourage the entire teaching community and inspire other government school teachers to strive for excellence. He noted that such honours reinforce the Punjab Government's vision of providing quality education and recognising teachers as the true architects of a progressive society.