During the release of his novel ‘The Opium Toffee,’ Chandigarh-based author and Ex Information Commissioner of Punjab, Khushwant Singh could not have foreseen the significant journey he would undertake—an anti-drug campaign intertwined with his literary pursuits, delving into the social fabric of Punjab.
Commencing on December 10 from New Chandigarh, Singh’s ‘People’s Walk Against Drugs’ spans a 90 km route, culminating in Khatkar Kalan, Nawanshahr district, on December 15. This final destination holds historical significance as the hometown of the revered freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh. Given the walk’s path along the main highway, Singh has sought support from various district administrations to ensure the safety of the walkers.
Motivated by a distressing video depicting the tragic death of two youths due to drug overdose, Singh felt compelled to organize the walk as a catalyst for tangible change. “The videos spurred the urgency for action. Witnessing numerous young lives lost to drug addiction has become unbearable,” he lamented, emphasizing the need to go beyond mere complaints and take decisive steps against this menace.
Singh views the ‘People’s Walk Against Drugs’ as a call for collective action, urging participants from diverse backgrounds—intellectuals, writers, veterans, artists, professionals, and the general public—to join the cause. Covering about 15 km daily, the walk seeks to mobilize individuals out of their comfort zones to advocate for a drug-free Punjab.
During the walk, Singh plans strategic pauses to engage with people, aiming to convey a vital message—drugs are not a symbol of coolness, but sports are. He stresses personal achievements over drug reliance and underscores the pivotal role of parents in preventing addiction.