Amritsar: Even as the govt pushes its ‘Yudh Nashihyan Virudh’ campaign to curb Punjab’s drug scourge and cross-border smuggling, a local philanthropist launched a parallel grassroots mission — setting up free gyms across the border belt to push youth away from addiction and towards fitness. Dr Avtar Singh, a philanthropist with a medical background, launched a campaign to set up gyms across Punjab’s border belt. The first such gym will be inaugurated at Bohru village.Dr Avtar visited the village on Friday to review the ongoing work and interacted with residents, particularly the youth. He said the centres would offer expert coaching, dietician, modern exercise equipment, and medical assistance, if any, to help steer young people towards a healthier, drug-free lifestyle.“Before beginning the initiative, our team first surveyed the villages along the border belt and spoke to young men, boys, and their families. We were shocked to witness the extent of drug abuse gripping the region. After closely analysing the situation, we concluded that the most effective way to counter this menace is to channel the youth’s energy towards fitness — something that delivers quick, visible results with regular exercise,” he said.Daljit Singh, the village sarpanch, said they were happy to provide the land and basic infrastructure for the gym, adding that while strict action against drug trafficking is essential, initiatives like this are equally important to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab’s villages.Speaking about his future plans, Avtar said he aimed to establish around 50 such gyms, with village panchayats supporting the initiative by providing land and buildings. “The remaining infrastructure — equipment, trainers, and anything else required — will be arranged by us,” he added.He added that his team was in touch with other like-minded philanthropists and organisations working in Punjab to expand the initiative and take it pan-Punjab. MSID:: 128605941 413 |
