Punjab Newsline | Ludhiana
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday launched the 'Soorma' anti-drug campaign in Ludhiana, honouring young people who have successfully overcome drug addiction. During the event, the Chief Minister felicitated the recovered youths by calling them "Soormas" (warriors) and presented them with a special commemorative ring.
Addressing the gathering at Guru Nanak Bhawan, Mann said the Punjab government would extend every possible support to youths who wish to start their own businesses after overcoming addiction. He described the recovered individuals as role models who can inspire others to lead a drug-free life.
The Chief Minister asserted that Punjab is steadily moving towards becoming "Rangla Punjab" once again. He said that publicly recognising those who have defeated addiction would help them feel accepted by society and encourage others to leave drugs behind.
Mann stressed that while the government can create the right environment, the real change has to come from the youth themselves. He added that those who have recovered from addiction will now motivate others to stay away from drugs and build healthier lives.
Highlighting the government's initiatives for youth welfare, Mann announced that around 3,000 gyms and 3,100 sports stadiums are being developed across the state to encourage sports participation, which he described as one of the most effective ways to prevent substance abuse.
The Chief Minister also emphasised that quality education remains the strongest tool to eliminate poverty. He said the state government is working to improve opportunities for young people through education, employment, and healthcare. Mann added that the government is providing health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh and treatment for approximately 2,600 diseases under its healthcare program.
Meanwhile, Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised the Punjab government's 'Soorma' campaign, saying Punjab has always been the land of brave warriors. He alleged that years of poor governance had led to rising drug trafficking and crime in the state and described naming the anti-drug campaign "Soorma" as a "cruel joke." Bittu also took a personal swipe at the Chief Minister, saying he should first give up his own "bad habits" before asking others to become "Soormas."
