‘Books can reduce drug addiction in villages’

Ludhiana: To get rid of drug addiction among youths, every village must have a playground and library, uttered SS Johal, chancellor of Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, and former vice-chancellor of Panjab Agricultural University.
Johal was among the eminent littérateurs who had gathered at the PAU campus to share their love of reading during World Book Day celebrations here on Tuesday.

Throwing light on how books can help uproot the drug menace in the state, Johal said, “To get rid of drug addiction, every village should have a playground and library where the panchayat can conduct games such as football, basketball, kabbadi etc. Besides this, at least one newspaper should be subscribed to for the library. This can reduce the drug menace to at least 5%.”

“It is difficult for youngsters to pass time during evenings, especially in the rural areas. So, the young brigade should utilize this time by opting for sports or reading books and newspapers to develop their overall personality,” opined Johal.

However, the government has turned a blind eye towards the rurality when it comes to strengthening its infrastructure, which also includes building playgrounds, libraries and open-air gym, rued Johal, adding that the panchayats can also rope in the NRIs hailing from their villages to source funds for the social development works.

Highlighting the importance of exchanging and donating books Johal said, “Everyone should keep passing on books so that others can benefit and add to their knowledge. I too have donated books from my collection to PAU library, Punjabi Sahitya Akademi and senior citizen homes.”

Gurbhajan Gill, former president of Punjabi Sahitya Akademi and former senior Punjabi editor at PAU, said, “Books play a key role in inspiring young minds, enhancing their knowledge and making readers emotionally attached.” Books of any field are of immense benefit to the readers, he observed, while stressing that knowledge must be present in every home.

Jagdish Kaur, additional communication director of PAU, coordinated the programme.