Together we can: Youth, Chandigarh Admn unite to free city of drugs

With a strong show of unity during the launch of the statewide war on drugs in Chandigarh on Saturday, over 2 lakh students and teachers from more than 200 schools of the city have taken a steadfast stance against the drug menace. The Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana—Bhagwant Mann and Nayab Saini—called the initiative a revolution.

They actively participated in the state-level event, ‘VADA’ (Victory Against Drug Abuse), which features activities such as posting messages on ‘Kalpataru’ (also spelled Kalpa-taru), a mythical wish-granting tree, which has been set up in all schools, besides other extra-curricular activities like slogan writing, caption contest, and poster-making competitions across the UT schools.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, which is a part of the “drug-free Chandigarh” mission launched by the UT Education Department, over 2 lakh students, parents and teachers have put up their wishes on these wish-granting trees of the heavens by hanging buntings and placards ahead of the statewide war on drugs spearheaded by the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria.

The best decorated and most wishful tree will be awarded and recognised by the UT Administration after examining all the trees put up across the city schools.

A brainchild of UT Education Secretary Prerna Puri, the initiative was aimed at fostering a drug-free society to fulfil the wish of making Chandigarh the first drug-free city in the country.

“The ‘Kalpataru’ wish-granting tree project has been introduced in all the government, aided, private and IAF-run schools across the city after the first one was inaugurated by the Governor-cum-Administrator at PM SHRI GMSS in Dhanas on April 26,” Prerna told The Tribune, here on Sunday.

Kataria had made the first wish for a drug-free city, setting the tone for a community-wide commitment to this vital cause. On Saturday, the students and teachers marched to Tiranga Park in Sector 17, besides marching around their respective schools and colleges and attending the live telecast of the event through webcast.

Prerna said the students had long been at the forefront of societal change, acting as flag-bearers of social reforms and embodying the spirit of activism. “Their energy, idealism and willingness to challenge the status quo make them powerful agents of change,” she reasoned behind involving the students in the “Nashe se door, jiyo bharpur” anti-drugs drive by the UT Administration.

Flanked by Punjab and Haryana CMs, his Haryana counterpart Bandaru Dattatraya, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Rajya Sabha MPs Satnam Singh Sandhu and Vikramjit Sahney — who cutting across the party lines joined hands for the cause — octogenarian Kataria led the walk against drugs to launch the awareness, education and enforcement drive to make Chandigarh first drug-free city in the country.

“The involvement of students in the anti-drug campaign not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the groundwork for a long-term impact. By educating and empowering today’s youth, the campaign hopes to inspire a generation that is well-informed and resilient against the pressures of drug misuse,” UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma said.

Seema Dhillon, TGT Social Science from GMHS-42, praised the administration, stating that it was one of the most effective activities conducted in the schools. “The overwhelming participation from students underscores the positive impact of outreach in fostering community engagement and awareness. The initiative is a testament to how strong leadership can bridge gaps and bring about meaningful change by connecting with diverse groups and promoting crucial social messages,” she added.

“Students feel a strong connection with the Governor when he acknowledges the challenges faced by today’s youth and offers unwavering support to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential,” said a Class XII student Anamika, one of the 2 lakh participants.

Jyotsna, who coordinated the activities across the city schools, said, “By providing a conducive environment for growth and learning, Chandigarh aims to inspire young minds to become active, responsible citizens who contribute to the betterment of society.”

Parikshit, a Class X student at GMSSS-20, said, “The campaign is the need of the hour. We assure the Administration that we are with them to root out this evil from our society. Our only aim is to make our country a developed country.”

“The students’ enthusiasm and commitment reflect a promising future where young leaders are ready to contribute to societal progress,” the Education Secretary added.

Chandigarh