Yudh Nashian Virudh: Raksha Bandhan was celebrated at various government de-addiction and rehabilitation centers in Punjab on Friday, where families spent time with their loved ones who are undergoing treatment and de-addiction process to overcome the drug problem.
These celebrations, organized under the ‘Yudh Nashean Viruddh’ campaign of the Bhagwant Mann government, strengthened the message of love and cooperation between brothers and sisters. Additionally, people undergoing treatment are encouraged to remain committed to recovery, return to their loved ones, and live a healthy and meaningful life.
Along with the families, representatives from various Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Surmas of Punjab, i.e. Peer Ambassadors who have themselves come out of drug addiction and have adopted a drug-free life and now inspire others on the same path, also participated in these programs.
Encouragement from all of you under the campaign
At the District De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center in Gurdaspur, Surma Pankaj Mahajan, who himself has walked the path of recovery from drug addiction, interacted with the patients and their families and shared his personal journey to encourage the patients undergoing treatment. He said, “We have come here to encourage you all under the ‘Yudh Nashean Viruddh’ campaign.
Promise that we will do our best
The government is playing a huge role to help you and we are also here to support and encourage you. I myself have gone through drug addiction and can say from my experience that one can come out of it. I have been drug free for the last 10 years now and want you to follow the same path. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, our sisters are also present here to support you in your endeavour. Let us promise them that we will give our best.
Introspection on the journey of de-addiction
Activities related to letter-writing and creative arts were also organized in various centres. Through these activities, patients had the opportunity to express their feelings, connect with families, and introspect on their journey to de-addiction.
“When I came here, I realized
Rajvinder Singh (name changed), a patient undergoing treatment at the District De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, Kapurthala, expressed gratitude to his sister and family members for supporting him strongly during his struggle with drug addiction through a letter-writing activity. Rajvinder wrote, “When I came here, I realized how wrong I was. Now I have given up drugs and have returned to my old life.”
love and miss everyone
Another patient undergoing treatment at the District De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center in Kapurthala wrote a letter to his sister. In an excerpt from the letter he said, “My dear sister, I am very sorry for what I did. Please forgive me. I have realized my mistakes. I love and miss you all very much and I will never walk this path of hell again.”
Soldiers celebrated Raksha Bandhan in de-addiction center
Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in a similar manner in other de-addiction and rehabilitation centers across Punjab. In Kapurthala and SAS Nagar, Raksha Bandhan celebrations were organized in the District Rehabilitation Centers in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris. In Patiala, Sarva Prem Foundation and Surmaon together celebrated Raksha Bandhan at the District De-addiction Centre. Through Sarva Prem Foundation, young girls from the community sent handmade rakhis and messages of encouragement to the patients.
Apart from this, Raksha Bandhan was also celebrated in the government de-addiction and rehabilitation centers located at Bathinda, Pathankot, Nawanshahr, Mansa, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, Amritsar and other districts of Punjab, in which families of the recovering drug addicts participated enthusiastically.
Family counseling sessions organized at centers
The role of the family in the rehabilitation process is widely recognized by experts as important. Counselors at government centers encourage families to participate in large numbers, so that they can support and encourage their loved ones during their journey of de-addiction. Family counseling sessions are being organized at various centers in the state. Under the Community Bridge Model (CBM) being run on a pilot basis in the state, it is mandatory for families to attend psycho-educational sessions to provide them with the necessary information to effectively support the patient in the de-addiction and rehabilitation process at home.
De-addiction Center Center of Hope, Dignity and Rehabilitation
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that involvement of families in the de-addiction process is an important part of the state’s fight against the drug problem. He said, “Festivals like Raksha Bandhan remind us that de-addiction is not an individual’s journey. The love, encouragement and faith of a family can give a person the strength to overcome one of the most difficult phases of life. Our de-addiction centers should remain centers of hope, dignity and rehabilitation, where patients get not only medical but also emotional and social support.”
Broad messages of a drug-free future
The initiative aims to harness the spirit of Raksha Bandhan to reinforce the broader message of family support, sustained de-addiction, restoration of relationships and a drug-free future for Punjab.