DRUG AWARENESS CARVAN to walk across Punjab

Ludhiana, February 10, 2013: To give a message to create awareness for drug problem existing in   society   “Drug Awareness Walk across Punjab" will be starting in Punjab on February 11 from Dera Baba Nanak (Gurdaspur) to Chandigarh.

Giving details about the programme, Prof Gurbhajan Gill, President of Punjabi Sahit Akademi (PSA) said that the awareness drive is spearheaded Canada based NRI Balwinder Singh Kahlon, who is from Ludhiana and is Chairman of Drug Awareness Foundation Canada (DAFC), who has chosen Punjab which is under the severe grip and is sinking in the oceans of drugs and intoxicants. 

The DAFC is a Non-Profit organisation and has a vision to build a foundation that will educate and support a healthy, safe, drug and alcohol free life style. It works together with community partners to prevent and reduce alcohol and drug related problems in society to create awareness and prevent drug abuse through education and outreach programs.

Addressing a huge pre-event gathering Balwinder Kahlon said that in recent past the use of drug and alcohol is engulfing Punjabi community   in particular  the youths. It has also resulted in escalated anti-social and illegal activities in society. The increased use of alcohol and drug has caused variety of social, domestic, financial and health related challenges in the community, he said. He   added, “ We need to change our lifestyle and stay away from alcohol as even occasional drinking can lead to problems.” 

The programme is getting tremendous support from the community as various organisations including PSA, Ludhiana,  Prof Mohan Singh Memorial  Federation, Ludhiana, Social Welfare Forum, Batala, Indian Cultural Association, Kartarpur,  Surjit Sports Association, Batala, and Punjabi Culture Study Circle International, Ludhiana, informed Gill. He informed that the Sant Samaj is also joining this awareness drive and that Sant Balbeer Singh Seechewal and Sant Sewa Singh Khadoor Sahib will also  send their representatives in the Awareness Carvan that will leave Dera Baba Nanak in the morning of February 11 and pass through roads across various cities to Chandigarh. Ragi Harjinder Singh Srinagar will sing shabads on this occasion and the prominent preachers including Giani Pinderpal Singh and Giani Amir Singh of Jawaddi Taksal , Ludhiana will educate masses about the hazards and dangers associated with consuming drugs and intoxicants.   The awareness carvan  will visit Golden Temple Amritsar and spread the message to save ‘youth from the drugs and alcohol.