Chandigarh, Oct 23: The Punjab Government launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges across the state to boost youth wellbeing, foster peer support, and prevent substance abuse under its ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. Organized by the Department of Higher Education alongside the Mpower initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust, the project establishes campus environments designed to reduce mental health stigma and encourage early intervention for students experiencing emotional distress.
Speaking at the launch event at Plaksha University in Mohali, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains emphasized that seeking guidance is essential for youth navigating personal challenges. Minister Bains highlighted that 25 selected students from each participating institution will undergo a comprehensive 14-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid training program, equipping them with certification to recognize emotional distress and guide fellow peers toward professional support.
The inauguration featured key public figures, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Mpower Founder Neerja Birla, and actor Aparshakti Khurana. Speakers underscored that building open spaces where young people feel heard without judgment is crucial to tackling the underlying emotional issues connected to drug dependency.
