Mohali: In a significant move to curb drug abuse among the youth, the Punjab government has intensified its efforts by involving educational institutions directly in the fight against addiction. As part of the ongoing campaign “War Against Drugs,” teachers from 146 government and government-aided colleges across the state have been trained as Nodal Officers.

Training Workshop at Shaheed Major Harminderpal Singh Government College

A focused one-day workshop series was organized from December 18 to December 20 at the Shaheed Major Harminderpal Singh Government College in Phase-6, Mohali. Educators from 23 districts of Punjab participated in this training program designed to equip them with the skills to identify early signs of drug abuse and provide necessary guidance to students.

Expert Panels and Training Modules

The workshops were conducted by a diverse panel of experts including:

• Clinical Psychologists and Mental Health Specialists from Government Medical College, Patiala.
• Academics from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
• Medical Professionals from Civil Hospital, Mohali.
• Technical Experts from the Data Intelligence and Technical Support Unit (DITSU).

Dr. Tavleen Kaur, a clinical psychologist from Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, addressed the trainees. She emphasized that the battle is not just against substances but also against the stigma and lack of awareness prevalent in society.

Role of Nodal Officers in Colleges

The trained teachers will now serve as the first point of contact for students struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues. Their primary responsibilities will include:

• Raising Awareness: conducting regular sessions to educate students about the harmful effects of drugs.
• Counseling and Support: providing a safe space for students to discuss their problems without fear of judgment.
• Connecting with Experts: facilitating professional medical help for students who need advanced intervention.

Promoting Mental Health and Informed Decisions

Gunjit Kaur, the officiating principal of the host college, stated that the core objective of this initiative is to spread awareness about drugs and mental health. The goal is to empower students to make informed and correct decisions regarding their well-being. By integrating these Nodal Officers into the campus ecosystem, the administration hopes to create a supportive environment that discourages drug use and promotes a healthy lifestyle.