Campaign to empower mothers to save their children from addiction

The campaign is spearheaded by author and former state information commissioner Khushwant Singh along with Sanna Kaushal, media advisor to the National Commission for Women (NCW). It aims to mobilise mothers in Punjab province and empower them to play an active role in protecting their children from drug addiction.

Numerous mothers participated in training and motivational sessions aimed at teaching them to recognize the early warning signs of drug abuse and to intervene effectively.

Sanna Kaushal, the head of the initiative, highlighted the program's nationwide goals. She said the mission is to educate mothers across Punjab and empower them to take action against drug addiction. “We will organize more such events to ensure that every mother in Punjab has access to the knowledge and tools she needs to protect her children. Mothers can be the first line of defense to keep their children safe from drug addiction,” Kaushal said.

Author Khushwant Singh said the aim is to make this campaign a nationwide mass movement that makes every mother in Punjab a soldier in the war against drugs. “We have funded the project ourselves so far, but we hope others will join us. The campaign will involve conducting workshops across the country to guide mothers on how to spot behavioural changes in their children, address problems early and create a supportive home environment. Since drug addiction often occurs between the ages of 14 and 24, the foundation is raising awareness, especially among mothers of children aged between 13 and 18,” Singh said.

Meanwhile, Gaurav Gill, a body language expert from Delhi, explained to the mothers how they can identify various patterns that can indicate drug addiction. Pankaj Mahajan from Gurdaspur spoke about his drug addiction and how he overcame it with the help of his family, especially his mother.

Commissioner of Police Major Singh informed on how to report drug-related activities in communities through anonymous helplines. He also revealed the helpline numbers for mothers who suspect that someone is dealing drugs in their area or village.