Chandigarh, June 28: The Punjab Government has initiated a peer-led recovery network to counter substance abuse at the grassroots level by transforming recovered youth into active community leaders. Launching the next phase of the state’s anti-drug movement in Ludhiana on Saturday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann introduced the “Soorma” (Warrior) Campaign, honoring young individuals who have successfully maintained sobriety for over two years. These recovered individuals will now serve as official Ambassadors of Hope, working in tandem with state agencies to motivate others and dismantle the social isolation often facing individuals in recovery.
To mark this transition, the state presented the data-verified participants with specially crafted promise rings and uniforms bearing the “Baaj” symbol, representing resilience and heritage. The administration is pairing this moral recognition with structural support, offering concrete employment opportunities within government initiatives to ensure these community champions achieve long-term financial self-reliance. Individuals who have completed treatment and maintained abstinence for two years can join the peer network by messaging the program’s dedicated gateway.
The Chief Minister asserted that the movement relies on changing how society views dependency, advocating for a shift away from punitive measures toward medical care.
“There is a huge social stigma associated with drug addiction,” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declared. “These young people have gone through that pain and trauma, but today they are ready for a new beginning and are prepared to serve society. The Punjab Government is continuously strengthening the rehabilitation of drug victims.”
The broader strategy includes an aggressive expansion of youth infrastructure designed to offer healthy alternatives across rural areas. The government announced that approximately 3,100 village sports grounds and 3,000 localized gyms will become fully operational across Punjab by July 15 to channel youthful energy constructively. This infrastructure matches ongoing investments in state-of-the-art de-addiction centers across all districts, which provide standardized counseling and modern aftercare support.
The administration tied the success of the recovery drive to its wider public welfare achievements in health and governance. The state has already distributed medical insurance cards to over 17 lakh families, facilitating substantial cashless treatments, while the newly formed Sadak Surakhya Force has successfully halved road accident fatalities.
The Chief Minister maintained that these holistic upgrades in education and healthcare are crucial to securing the state’s future.
“These exemplary individuals are true ‘Soormas’ because they represent resilience, courage and victory over addiction,” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed. “Our government remains fully committed to eliminating substance abuse while ensuring that every family affected by addiction receives the support needed for recovery.”
