Ludhiana, June 27: Declaring that Punjab is steadily moving towards becoming a drug-free state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the ‘Soorma’ Campaign, an initiative aimed at transforming recovered drug victims into ambassadors of hope and role models in the state’s anti-drug movement.
At a function held in Ludhiana, the Chief Minister honoured individuals who have remained drug-free for more than two years by presenting them with specially designed ‘Soorma’ rings and T-shirts. He announced that these recovered youth would not only motivate others to overcome addiction but would also be provided employment opportunities by the Punjab Government.
Calling the initiative the next phase of the government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, Mann said drug addiction should be treated as an illness rather than a crime and stressed that rehabilitation, counselling and community support are key to eliminating substance abuse from the state.
The Chief Minister also announced that by July 15, nearly 3,100 village sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will become operational across Punjab to encourage youth participation in sports and steer them away from drugs. He said the government’s simultaneous focus on education, healthcare, sports infrastructure and rehabilitation is laying the foundation for a drug-free and Rangla Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Mann praised the courage of recovered youth who had overcome addiction despite facing social stigma. “These young people have defeated addiction and are now ready to guide others on the path of recovery. They are true ‘Soormas’ whose experiences can inspire countless others,” he said.
He said the government has established modern de-addiction centres across the state, offering treatment, counselling and aftercare support while also providing skill development to help recovered individuals become self-reliant.
The Chief Minister said the Soorma Programme would create a strong peer-led recovery network across Punjab. Individuals who have successfully completed de-addiction treatment and remained drug-free for at least two years can register for the programme by sending “Soorma” on WhatsApp to 9779142200.
Highlighting the government’s broader achievements, Mann said Punjab has emerged as the country’s top-performing state in school education, over 47 lakh families have received health insurance cards under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Insurance Scheme, and the Sadak Surakhya Force has significantly reduced road accident fatalities. He added that nearly 90 per cent of households are receiving free electricity and farmers are benefiting from increased canal irrigation and daytime power supply.
The Chief Minister reiterated that while the government would continue taking strict action against drug traffickers, it would extend every possible support to individuals seeking treatment and rehabilitation. He said the Soorma initiative reflects the government’s commitment to restoring dignity, creating livelihood opportunities and building a stronger, healthier Punjab free from the scourge of drugs.
Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and several other dignitaries were present at the launch of the campaign.