Hoshiarpur- Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria visited rehabilitation centre at Fatehgarh during his visit to Hoshiarpur today. On this occasion, he was given a guard of honour by a contingent of Punjab Police. The Governor met the patients undergoing treatment at the centre and enquired about their well-being and motivated them to give up drug addiction.
The Governor said that coming out of drug addiction is an act of courage and every effort will be made for the rehabilitation of drug addicts. He said that drug addiction not only affects the life of an individual but also hinders the progress of the entire society. He interacted with the drug addicts and motivated them to start life afresh.
On this occasion, some youths who have given up drug addiction shared their experiences and told how they have returned to normal life again. These experiences have become a source of inspiration for the existing patients. During this, the Governor visited the entire centre and took stock of the facilities available there. He also got information about the vocational training course being run there.
Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain informed the Punjab Governor that the district administration is conducting vocational training courses like multi-cuisine cooking, hair dresser and salon artist at the centre. Their aim is not only to teach skills to the patients but also to re-establish them in the society with self-respect.
The centre has been equipped with basic facilities under CSR by Quantum Paper Mill and Viber Caustic Mohali. Later, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria inaugurated the canteen set up under the important initiative 'Wings Project' run by the Red Cross Society at Topchi CSD Army Canteen. The initiative aims to provide employment opportunities to intellectually disabled children.
Under this project launched by the Red Cross in December 2023, five Tuk Shops have been opened in various educational institutions of Hoshiarpur so far. Ludhiana Beverages (Coca Cola), Hoshiarpur has provided assistance under CSR for setting up these shops. Later, the Governor met the dignitaries of the city at the Services Club.
On this occasion, MLA Brahmashankar Jimpa, former Cabinet Minister Tikshan Sood, Secretary to the Governor Vivek Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain, SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik, Mayor Surendra Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Guru Ravidas Ayurveda University Dr. Sanjeev Sood and other dignitaries were present.