By Amrit pal Sidhu
Barnala, March 20
In a decisive step to counter drug addiction and pave the way for a healthier future generation, the Barnala district administration, in partnership with social organizations, has introduced an ambitious campaign titled *"Zindagi Zindabad."*
This initiative seeks to steer teenagers away from the dangers of drug abuse by cultivating youth leaders within the community to act as role models and educators.
As part of this initiative, 200 college students from across the district have been selected as dynamic speakers and named "Life Navigators."
These motivated youth ambassadors are prepared to take their mission forward by conducting awareness sessions in government and private schools to inspire students to reject drugs and embrace a positive lifestyle.
Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh, IAS, emphasized that the project is being executed with the active collaboration of NGOs, as well as the Education, Police, and Health Departments. The primary goal is to empower teenagers with knowledge about the risks of drug abuse and equip them with the confidence to navigate peer pressure effectively.
The program was launched through an inclusive planning process, engaging stakeholders and college representatives to craft a shared vision. To identify confident and persuasive student speakers, debate competitions were subsequently held across 16 colleges in the district.
These events encouraged critical thinking and helped select the most promising youth to take on leadership roles in the initiative.
To acknowledge and motivate these young change-makers, the district administration has planned special recognition for their voluntary contributions.
Rupinderjit Singh, Project Coordinator and social worker, highlighted that the selected students will soon participate in an interactive session to exchange insights and refine their approach.
Following this, they will attend a professional workshop conducted by specialists from the Department of Psychology at Punjabi University, Patiala. The workshop is designed to offer practical training on combating peer pressure and confidently rejecting drugs.
Once fully trained, these Life Navigators will visit government and private schools across Barnala district to engage with students from grades 6 to 12 through impactful seminars.
With 115 government middle, high, and senior secondary schools in the district, this extensive outreach intends to leave a lasting impact on countless young lives.
As per a recent survey, approximately 83% of adolescents who succumb to drug use are influenced by peer pressure, often introduced to such substances by friends.
Keeping this in focus, the project emphasizes mental readiness and decision-making skills—vital tools for empowering young people to resist such influences, Singh added.
Recognizing that a supportive home environment is also essential, the initiative involves parents in raising awareness about understanding and fostering stronger connections with their children. This approach aims to create a solid foundation for preventing drug-related issues.
Moving forward, the scope of *Zindagi Zindabad* will be broadened to address emerging social challenges, including curbing excessive mobile phone usage among students.
Through continuous seminars and community outreach programs, the initiative is geared toward creating a more informed and resilient society.