LUDHIANA: Taking his government’s decisive ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ to the next level as Punjab steadily moves towards becoming drug-free, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the ‘Soorma’ (Warrior) Campaign and honoured recovered youth with specially crafted ‘Soorma’ rings and T-shirts.
Declaring it as the next phase of the state’s anti-drug movement, the Chief Minister said the initiative aims to transform recovered drug victims into Ambassadors of Hope who will lead the fight against addiction at the grassroots. Felicitating individuals who have remained drug-free for over two years, he announced that they will not only inspire others to overcome addiction but will also be provided employment opportunities by the state government.
Reiterating that sports is the most lethal weapon against the drug menace, he announced that by July 15, around 3,100 village sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will become operational across Punjab to channelise the energy of youth in a positive direction. He further said that the state’s simultaneous focus on quality education, universal healthcare, sports infrastructure and rehabilitation is laying the foundation for a drug-free and Rangla Punjab.
Sharing a few snippets, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today, we launched the Soorma Campaign and honoured young people who have emerged from the clutches of drug addiction to begin a new life. These inspiring youngsters, who have become role models for others, will also be provided employment opportunities by the Punjab Government.”
By July 15, 3,100 new sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will be ready for the youth across Punjab. Today, Punjab ranks No. 1 in the country in education, and 47 lakh families have already received ₹10 lakh Mukh Mantri Sehat Insurance Cards for free medical treatment.
The Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) has reduced road accident fatalities by 50%, saving around 2,700 precious lives every year. When the intent is honest, nothing is impossible. Let us all come together to build a Rangla Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the youth present at the event had taken a historic step by overcoming addiction after losing everything to drugs. He said that today they were being honoured because they had displayed extraordinary courage in defeating addiction, despite the social stigma attached to it. “There is a huge social stigma associated with drug addiction. Once people come to know that someone is addicted to drugs, they even stop talking to that person. These young people have gone through that pain and trauma, but today they are ready for a new beginning and are prepared to serve society,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said, “These youth have overcome the illness of addiction and can now help others by sharing their own experiences. “The Punjab Government is continuously strengthening the rehabilitation of drug victims, and world-class rehabilitation centres equipped with modern facilities are already being established across the state,” he added.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that by July 15, around 3,100 village sports grounds and 3,000 gyms will become operational across Punjab to channelise the immense energy of the youth in a positive direction.
Congratulating all the recovered youth present at the function, the Chief Minister said that they have left behind a painful past and embraced a brighter future. He assured them that the Punjab Government would extend every possible support in this noble mission. “Only one colour now remains to complete the dream of Rangla Punjab, and that too will soon be filled because Punjab will soon become drug-free,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these Soormas would now work alongside the government as Ambassadors of Recovery, motivating countless others to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.
The Chief Minister said that the launch of the Soorma Programme is a powerful testament to the transformational impact of comprehensive rehabilitation programmes and strong community support systems across Punjab. He said that the title “Soorma,” deeply rooted in Punjab’s heritage, symbolises warrior-like courage, perfectly reflecting the determination shown by these individuals in reclaiming their lives through unwavering willpower and complete commitment to recovery.gn.