A decisive battle must be fought against drug abuse: Governor Gulab Chand Kataria
Fazilka (The Uttam Hindu): Late this evening, the Karan Gilhotra Foundation organized a grand ceremony in honor of the Honorable Governor of Punjab, Mr. Gulab Chand Kataria, at the local Chhabra Palace. The main objective of the event was to express gratitude to the Governor for the foot march organized in Fazilka against drug abuse and to encourage organizations doing outstanding work in the fields of social service and education by presenting them with mementos.
Principal Secretary, IAS Vivek Pratap, Red Cross Punjab Secretary, former IAS Shiv Dular Singh and former Cabinet Minister, Chaudhary Surjeet Kumar Jyani were present on the stage.
During the ceremony, various schools and social organizations in the city were honored for their outstanding services. Representatives of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and the Karan Gilhotra Foundation jointly presented mementos to the Governor.
At the beginning of the program, Karan Gilhotra welcomed the Governor and presented him with a statue of Lord Ganesha. He shared detailed information about the public welfare work being undertaken by the Karan Gilhotra Foundation and future plans.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria said, "I am extremely pleased to be among you today at this event organized by the Karan Gilhotra Foundation. The work being done by these organizations in the fields of social service and education is commendable. However, today we must address a serious challenge that is eroding the very roots of our society: the problem of drug addiction. Drug addiction not only destroys an individual, it devastates an entire family and ultimately undermines our nation's progress. If we are to build a strong India, collective efforts are essential to eradicate this evil.
We must draw inspiration from the great sacrifices of our gurus." Our patriots and brave soldiers happily sacrificed their lives to protect the borders of this country. Consider this: As a community whose ancestors have made such great sacrifices, can't we collectively eradicate the problem of drug addiction? This isn't just the government's job, but our religious and moral duty to eradicate this scourge from society.
Our priority should be our youth. We must first make our educational institutions drug-free. Only if our youth are guided properly will the future of the state and the country be secure. The Punjab government is launching a phased campaign against drug abuse, but the key to its success lies in all of you. He said that only when educational institutions, religious and social organizations, all political parties, and panchayats fight unitedly will we win.
Our neighboring enemy country is supplying drugs through drones as part of a well-planned conspiracy. Their goal is to weaken our young generation physically and mentally. The government has taken stringent measures, such as the anti-drone system, but the vigilance of citizens living in border areas will prove to be the biggest shield in thwarting this conspiracy.
Finally, I would like to say that this fight against drugs is not just for one person, but for all of us. I am confident that with the cooperation of all Punjab residents, we will soon achieve success in this mission and the dream of a drug-free and progressive Punjab will be realized". During the event, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria met all the guests at their respective seats. City dignitaries and administrative officials were also present on the occasion.
Punjab Governor Praises the Service Works of the Karan Gilhotra Foundation
During a grand ceremony held at Chhabra Palace, Punjab Governor Mr. Gulab Chand Kataria lavished praise on the Karan Gilhotra Foundation. The Governor said that the selfless work of the Karan Gilhotra Foundation for education and social upliftment is an inspiration to society. He praised the Foundation's initiative to encourage schools and institutions in the area. The Governor emphasized that the mission of making Punjab drug-free can only be successful with the support of organizations like the Foundation.
List of prominent personalities and institutions honored by the Honorable Governor during the ceremony held at Chhabra Palace
Educational Institutions and their Representatives
--Ritu Bhusari, Shilpa Bhusari, Holy Heart Day Boarding School, Fazilka
--Raman Watts/Sangeeta Tinna, Attam Vallabh Public School, Fazilka
--Madhu Sharma, Sarv Hitkari Vidya Mandir, Fazilka
--Nancy Chhabra/Navdeep Chhabra, The Heritage School, Fazilka
--Paramjit Singh (Pamma), Wisdom Convent School, Fazilka
--Vandana Kakkar/Yuvraj Kakkar, Chanakya School, Fazilka
--E.G. Ramesh Gumber, Radiant Public School, Mahuana Bodla
--Gulshan Mahrok/Rachna Mahrok, National Degree College, Chuwadianwali
--Advocate Anil Jain/Naresh Sapra, G.A.V. Jain School, Chuwadianwali
--Neeru Chawla, Sameer Chawla Brillco/Sky Win Institute, Fazilka
--Dr. Roshan Lal Thakkar/Anita Arora, Jyoti B.Ed. College, Fazilka
--Sutantar Pathak, Principal, Government Girls School, Fazilka
--Abhishek Sharma, Godwin Public School, Ghallu
--Chetan Setia, Math Made Easy, Fazilka
Social and Business Organizations:
--Madam Himani Arora, Regional President, PHD Chamber of Commerce
--District Bar Association, Fazilka
--Shri Aroravansh Welfare Society, Fazilka
--Social Welfare Society, Fazilka
--Retired Officers Association, Fazilka
--Shivpuri Managing Committee, Fazilka
--Sur Sangam, Fazilka
--Shri Ram Kripa Seva Sangh Welfare Society, Fazilka
--Pankaj Narang, Shri Ladli Ji Sarkar Mandir, Fazilka
Distinguished Persons
--S. Lakhwinder Gill, father of cricketer Shubman Gill
--Brother Sukhdev Singh Sidhu, Executive Director, PSICE
--Brother Gurjinder Singh Sidhu, President, Shooting Range Bhucho
--Advocate Surinder Sachdeva, President and Councillor, Municipal Council, Fazilka
--Anil Sethi, Shantanam Sethi, Former Presidents, Municipal Council, Fazilka
--Tinkle Grover/Sonu Grover, Toshewale Pakpatnian Sweets, Fazilka
--Naveen Agarwal, President, Truck Union, Fazilka
--Rakesh Kakkar (Lovely), MD, Vera Group
--Anshu Kataria, President, Pusa