“Mothers are the first line of defence in the war against drugs'' - Punjabi News

Published on: 13 Feb 2026 at 06:14 PM

“Mothers are the first line of defence in the war against drugs”

Published by: thefactnews

SAS Nagar, February 13

“Mothers are the first line of defence in the war against drugs. They are the first persons to notice behavioral changes in young children and seek help,” said Sanna Kaushal, co-founder Punjab Lit Foundation, talking to mothers at the Government Senior Secondary School, Phase 3B1 here today.

Kaushal who is Media Advisor to the National Commission for Women (NCW) was addressing a series of workshops organised by the Punjab Lit Foundation as part of its “Mother’s against Drugs” campaign launched in September 2024.

Organised in collaboration with the SAS Nagar district administration, almost 400 mothers were sensitised during the series of three workshops held today.

Inaugurating the workshop, deputy commissioner SAS Nagar Komal Mittal said that chief minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann is fully committed to the ending of the social scourge of drug addiction from the state. She said that the “mothers against drugs” drive was part of the multipronged approach being adopted by the government to tackle the huge problem in collaboration with the Punjab Lit Foundation. “This program was launched in Hoshiarpur when I happened to be the deputy commissioner there so in one sense I have been associated with this program since its inception,” said the DC.

The initiative, spearheaded by renowned author Khushwant Singh, Co-founder of Punjab Lit Foundation and former State Information Commissioner, aims to empower mothers to act as the first line of defense against the rising drug epidemic affecting Punjab’s youth.

Speaking at the occasion, Khushwant Singh said mothers are that invisible force at home which can be empowered to ensure that young children do not fall into the deadly trap of drugs. “We are trying to make mothers realise that they can play an extraordinary role in keeping their homes drug free. We are skilling them through such seminars to recognise early symptoms and what steps to take,” said Khushwant Singh.

“If we can turn this into a movement across Punjab it can lead to a palpable difference in tackling this menace,” he added.

“Mothers are the chief ministers of their homes. Once they decide to shield their children from this problem, its eradication becomes inevitable.” he said.

Khushwant Singh said the campaign was an outcome of the ‘People’s walk against drugs’ during which a large number of women turned up to participate in the 150 km journey over a week. “These women, most of the young mothers had so many questions to ask one thing to know how they could help ensure that their kids grow up healthy and being able to say no to drugs even when these are easily available,” said Khushwant Singh.

Sanna Kaushal emphasized that families need to have at least one meal together and understand the influences that shape their children. She said that parents have to make an extra effort now because of the excessive use of mobile phones by their children. She said that parents should encourage children to have at least one hobby apart from taking keen interest in sports.. “A mother’s instinct is unmatched in saving her children and with these workshops the foundation wants to empower mothers,” she said.

Renowned behavioral expert Gaurav Gill educated parents on recognizing behavioral patterns that may indicate substance abuse in children. His sessions offered practical strategies for early intervention.

While speaking on the occasion, district education officer Ginni Duggal said today’s sessions was the first in a series of such sessions which will be organised in the future in the district. She said this workshop would be held in private schools apart from Government schools.

Mothers who attended the session expressed gratitude for the program, which equipped them with tools and confidence to safeguard their children. The initiative highlighted the collective responsibility of families, schools, and communities in combating the drug menace, reinforcing the Punjab Lit Foundation’s commitment to creating a healthier society.

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