The Punjab government on Thursday launched 'Sangat' mental health clubs in 40 colleges across the state, in a move aimed at strengthening mental health awareness among young people, encouraging early intervention and helping prevent substance abuse.
The initiative has been launched under the state government's flagship anti-drug campaign 'Yudh Nashean Virudh'. It is led by the Department of Higher Education, Punjab, in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET).
According to the government, the clubs aim to create supportive campus environments where students can recognise emotional distress, access appropriate support and discuss mental health issues openly, without stigma. The programme stresses peer support, and coordination among educational institutions, families and peer networks.
At the launch event held at Plaksha University in Mohali, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia interacted with club participants and discussed the role of educational institutions in youth empowerment.
Bains said 'Sangat' had been designed by young people, for young people, to promote peer support and mental well-being and to help students choose healthier alternatives. He said that even the warrior Arjuna faced mental and emotional challenges despite having Lord Krishna by his side, which showed that young people too need proper guidance and mentors. "Taking drugs is not something to be proud of. Helping someone find a way back from bad company is a noble act," he said, according to reports of the launch.
The launch comes as Punjab continues its wider enforcement and de-addiction drive against drugs, with officials arguing that prevention among students is as important as action against supply networks.