Raksha Bandhan was observed across various government de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in Punjab, with families gathering to support loved ones currently undergoing treatment. Organized under the state’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ initiative, the events brought together siblings, non-governmental organizations, and peer ambassadors known as Punjab’s Soormas to encourage individuals on their path to recovery.
The occasion featured letter-writing sessions and expressive-art exercises across multiple facilities, enabling patients to convey their thoughts and reflect on their treatment. At the Kapurthala De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, a recovering patient, Rajwinder Singh, expressed gratitude to his family through a letter for their continued support throughout his rehabilitation journey, noting his progress toward resuming a healthy routine. Another patient at the same center shared an apology to his sister, acknowledging past errors and reaffirming his resolve to stay away from harmful substances.
In Gurdaspur, peer ambassador Pankaj Mahajan addressed patients and families, reflecting on his own decade-long sobriety. He maintained that recovery remains achievable with proper backing and urged individuals under treatment to remain dedicated to their goals while taking strength from family members present during the festival.
Community organizations also joined the observances in several districts. In Kapurthala and SAS Nagar, celebrations were held in coordination with Brahma Kumaris, while in Patiala, the Sarv Prem Foundation along with Soormas facilitated the event, distributing handmade rakhis sent by local youth. Similar programs took place in Bathinda, Pathankot, Nawanshahr, Mansa, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, and Amritsar.
Health officials noted the role of family involvement within the state’s Community Bridge Model, where relatives attend mandatory psychoeducation sessions to assist with home-based recovery. Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh affirmed that rehabilitation relies heavily on social and emotional solidarity alongside medical care. He declared that festivals like Raksha Bandhan serve as important reminders of shared responsibility, helping transform treatment facilities into spaces of hope, dignity, and lasting support.
