Raksha Bandhan Celebrated at Punjab de-addiction centres

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Families, Soormas and NGOs join patients to reinforce recovery, reconciliation and support

Chandigarh, August 30

Raksha Bandhan was celebrated at government de-addiction and rehabilitation centres across Punjab on Friday, with families joining loved ones undergoing treatment for drug abuse and reinforcing messages of support, recovery and hope.

The celebrations, organised under the Bhagwant Mann government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, brought together families, NGOs and Punjab’s Soormas — peer ambassadors who have overcome addiction and now encourage others on the path to recovery.

At the District De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre in Gurdaspur, Soorma Pankaj Mahajan shared his recovery experience with patients and their families. He said he had remained sober for 10 years and urged those undergoing treatment to follow the same path.

“On the occasion of Rakhi, our sisters are also here to support you in your endeavour. Let’s promise them the best,” Mahajan said.

Letter-writing and expressive-art activities were organised at several centres, allowing patients to express emotions and reconnect with their families. At the Kapurthala centre, a patient, identified as Rajwinder Singh after his name was changed, thanked his family for standing by him during his struggle with addiction.

Another recovering patient wrote to his sister, expressing regret for his past actions and seeking forgiveness. He said he had realised his mistakes, missed his family and would never return to drug use.

Similar celebrations were held in Kapurthala and SAS Nagar in collaboration with Brahma Kumaris, while Sarv Prem Foundation and Soormas organised a programme in Patiala. Community members also sent handmade rakhis and messages of encouragement.

Centres in Bathinda, Pathankot, Nawanshahar, Mansa, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot, Amritsar and other districts also hosted celebrations involving families.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said family participation was central to recovery, describing rehabilitation as a collective responsibility. He said de-addiction centres should remain places of “hope, dignity and rehabilitation”, supporting patients medically, emotionally and socially.