Yudh Nashean Virudh: Punjab govt takes school-led route to shield young minds from drugs

Chandigarh:Under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, the Punjab government has decided to strike at the roots of drug abuse by focusing on education and prevention, rolling out a comprehensive, school-centric action plan aimed at safeguarding young minds. The initiative, being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, places schools and educators at the forefront of the long-term fight against drugs.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, accompanied by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and architect of Delhi’s education reforms Manish Sisodia, interacted with principals and teachers during a Capacity Building Training Programme under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ at the School of Eminence in Phase 3B1, Mohali. The leaders reviewed the progress of the programme and outlined the roadmap ahead.

Explaining the government’s approach, Bains said that while stringent action was being taken against drug smugglers, lasting success would come only by protecting children before they fall into addiction. “Education and prevention are our most powerful weapons in this decisive war against drugs. Guarding young minds through awareness, values and discipline is the only sustainable way to eliminate this menace from Punjab,” he said.

The Education Minister announced that from the upcoming academic session, senior secondary students across the state would be sensitised to the ill effects of drug abuse through a specially designed curriculum. He said the structured intervention would provide age-appropriate, factual and value-based education, enabling students to make informed and responsible choices.

As part of the initiative, the Punjab government will also introduce a daily meditation period on a pilot basis, beginning in Mohali district. “A meditation session of around 30 minutes will be held at the start of the school day to strengthen mental discipline, emotional balance and moral values. This will help students develop inner resilience against negative influences,” Bains said.

Highlighting the role of teachers and school leadership, the minister said capacity building of principals and educators was a crucial component of the strategy. “This training marks a strong beginning. Educators are being equipped to identify early warning signs, intervene responsibly and guide children away from drugs. Our mission is to protect every child and prepare them to become torchbearers in this fight,” he said.

Bains also said that all schools had been equipped with complaint-cum-suggestion boxes to allow students to confidentially share information—without revealing their identity—about drug peddlers or any corrupt practices shielding them. He added that all inputs would be analysed at a centralised level and acted upon swiftly to ensure accountability and effective action.

Meanwhile, Manish Sisodia shared details of the initiative on X, stating that under Phase II of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, the Punjab government was providing training to principals of all schools across the state. He said the programme focused on creating a strong anti-drug environment in schools and strengthening students’ mindsets so they could firmly say “no” to drugs without succumbing to pressure or temptation.

“The objective is to ensure that this resolve becomes a permanent part of their character and stays with them throughout their lives,” Sisodia wrote, adding that the training programmes were being conducted across districts with psychologists and educationists engaging directly with principals.

Sisodia further said he had participated in one such training programme in Mohali along with Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. “It is reassuring to see that the government is not only creating ‘pind de pehredaar’ but also preparing ‘dimaag de pehredaar’ to eradicate drug abuse from its roots and secure the future of coming generations,” he said.

During the interaction, teachers shared several innovative ideas on closely monitoring students and guiding them in a positive direction. The suggestions were appreciated by both Bains and Sisodia, who encouraged educators to take ownership of the anti-drug mission within their schools.

Punjab School Education Board chairman Dr Amarpal Singh was also present. Earlier, girl students of the School of Eminence presented a Giddha performance with motivational lyrics, conveying a strong message on keeping society and Punjab free from drugs, reinforcing the spirit of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’.