Punjab CM Mann launches 'Soorma' campaign, honours Recovered Youth as Anti-Drug Ambassadors; Watch Video
Babusbhahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), June 27, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday launched the 'Soorma' Campaign, an initiative aimed at recognising individuals who have successfully overcome drug addiction and transforming them into ambassadors of the state's anti-drug movement.
At a state-level event, the Chief Minister honoured recovered youth who have remained drug-free for over two years with specially designed 'Soorma' rings and T-shirts, announcing that they would also be provided employment opportunities by the state government.
He said the initiative marks the next phase of the government's 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign to eradicate substance abuse in Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Mann said drug addiction is an illness that requires treatment and rehabilitation rather than social stigma. He said recovered individuals can play a crucial role in motivating others to overcome addiction by sharing their experiences.
Highlighting the role of sports in preventing drug abuse, the Chief Minister announced that 3,100 village sports grounds and 3,000 gyms across Punjab would be operational by July 15 to provide young people with positive recreational opportunities.
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Mann said the government is strengthening rehabilitation efforts through modern de-addiction centres, counselling services and skill development programmes to help recovered individuals reintegrate into society. He added that the Soorma Programme would be expanded to every district and village in the state to create a peer-led recovery network and reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
The Chief Minister said individuals who have remained drug-free for at least two years after completing de-addiction treatment can register for the programme by sending "Soorma" via WhatsApp to 9779142200. Eligible participants will be recognised for their recovery and encouraged to support others battling addiction.