Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria has rewarded a Nabha village with a development grant and a school holiday for eradicating drug abuse and building a model community rooted in social service.
Grant and Holiday Announced
Speaking at an education charity event at Khokh-Kotli near Nabha on Monday, Kataria announced a ₹3 lakh grant for village infrastructure and declared a one-day holiday for the community's two government schools to celebrate their achievement. The governor commended the village's spiritual and civic cohesion, labelling their successful anti-drug initiative an inspiring model for the rest of the state.
Honoring a Top UPSC Ranker
During the Young Nabhaites Association's event at the Nirmal Kutiya ashram, Kataria also honoured Nabha local Simrandeep Kaur, who placed 15th nationwide recently in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations to join the elite Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
School Bags Distribution and CSR Appeal
The ceremony included the distribution of school bags to 100 local students. Kataria used the platform to call on corporate houses, industrialists, and non-profits to leverage corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding to modernise government classrooms. "The rich must contribute toward digital learning and skill development for students in public schools," Kataria said, urging deeper investment in the region's youth to steer them toward academic and civic engagement.
This recognition underscores the village's efforts in combating drug abuse and fostering a community spirit. The governor's announcement is expected to inspire other villages in Punjab to undertake similar initiatives. The school holiday will allow students and teachers to participate in community celebrations, reinforcing the message of collective achievement.
Kataria's call for CSR funding highlights the need for private sector involvement in public education. By modernising classrooms and promoting digital learning, the government aims to equip students with skills necessary for future success. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to youth development and social responsibility.
