SAS Nagar, October 25 —-“Mothers are the first line of defence in the war against drugs. They are the first persons to notice behavioral changes in young children and seek help,” said Sanna Kaushal, co-founder Punjab Lit Foundation, talking to parents and teachers at the Doon International School here today.
Kaushal who is Media Advisor to the National Commission for Women (NCW) was addressing a seminar organised by the Punjab Lit Foundation as part of its “Mother’s against Drugs” campaign launched in September last year.
The initiative, spearheaded by renowned author Khushwant Singh, Co-founder of Punjab Lit Foundation and former State Information Commissioner, aims to empower mothers to act as the first line of defense against the rising drug epidemic affecting Punjab’s youth.
Speaking at the occasion, Khushwant Singh said mothers are that invisible force at home which can be empowered to ensure that young children do not fall into the deadly trap of drugs. “We are trying to make mothers realise that they can play an extraordinary role in keeping their homes drug free. We are skilling them through such seminars to recognise early symptoms and what steps to take,” said Khushwant Singh.
“If we can turn this into a movement across Punjab it can lead to a palpable difference in tackling this menace,” he added.
“Mothers are the chief ministers of their homes. Once they decide to shield their children from this problem, its eradication becomes inevitable.” he said.
Talking to mediapersons Khushwant Singh said till now the Punjab Lit Foundation has sensitised 3500-4000 mothers since the beginning of the campaign.
“Every mother sensitised is a child saved. We are asking private school chains and government schools to sign an MOU with us for the conduct of these sessions in all their branches because schools, we feel, are an appropriate target group, especially mothers of children from classes 8th to 12. We have gone as far as Ferozepur to carry this message,” he told mediapersons.
Khushwant Singh said the campaign was an outcome of the ‘People’s walk against drugs’ during which a large number of women turned up to participate in the 150 km journey over a week. “These women, most of the young mothers had so many questions to ask one thing to know how they could help ensure that their kids grow up healthy and being able to say no to drugs even when these are easily available,” said Khushwant Singh.
Sanna Kaushal emphasized that families need to have at least one meal together and understand the influences that shape their children. A mother’s instinct is unmatched in saving her children and with these workshops the foundation wants to empower mothers.
Renowned behavioral expert Gaurav Gill educated parents on recognizing behavioral patterns that may indicate substance abuse in children. His online session offered practical strategies for early intervention.
The school principal, Ira Bogra said there was an urgent need to protect your children not only from drugs but also from the negative effects of excessive use of mobile phones and misinformation on social media. She said faced with such newer forms of threats and dangers, the responsibility of parents at homes and teachers at schools has increased severalfold.
Mothers who attended the session expressed gratitude for the program, which equipped them with tools and confidence to safeguard their children. The initiative highlighted the collective responsibility of families, schools, and communities in combating the drug menace, reinforcing the Punjab Lit Foundation’s commitment to creating a healthier society.