BJP National President Nitin Nabin on Sunday called on Punjab's youth to free the state from the scourge of drugs, addressing 12,000 participants at an International Yoga Day event at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara. The event marked the second day of his three-day Punjab tour ahead of upcoming elections.
Anti-drug pledge and PM Modi's 2047 vision
Nabin administered an anti-drug pledge to students and repeatedly highlighted the state's drug problem, linking it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. He said India is now moving forward with a unified national goal under the mantra "Sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayas."
"We must ensure our youth are strong and free from drugs. If youth are weak, the nation is weak," Nabin said, urging students to say no to drugs and commit to building a stronger India.
Punjab's cultural identity and call to action
Highlighting Punjab's cultural identity, Nabin said, "I was happy to partake milk and lassi yesterday, which is the identity and blessing of Punjab. We have to take forward Punjab's legacy and culture of doodh, dahi, sarson ka saag and makki ki roti. We have to say no to drugs."
He added, "We often say India is a 'yuva' (young) country. We won't allow youth to be weak because if youth is weak, India will be weak. Quit drugs from your life."
Event attendees and initiatives
The event was attended by LPU Chancellor Dr Ashok Mittal, Punjab BJP president Kewal Dhillon, Rajya Sabha MPs Tarun Chugh and Vikramjit Singh Sahney, and former Union ministers Vijay Sampla, Som Prakash, and Jangi Lal Mahajan. A 'NaMO Chair' dedicated to International Yoga Day was declared by the LPU Chancellor. Additionally, a time capsule initiative was unveiled, to be sealed and opened in 2047 to coincide with the 'Viksit Bharat' vision.
Nabin concluded, "I appeal to young friends, that this Yoga Day, I've come to take this resolution and promise from you, that we'll end drugs from the land of Punjab and move towards building an energetic and strong India."
