Led by the Higher Education Department in partnership with the Aditya Birla Education Trust, the programme aims to create supportive campus environments where students can discuss emotional distress without stigma. The Punjab government has launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges across the state to strengthen mental health awareness among young people, encourage early intervention and help prevent substance abuse under its flagship ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ initiative.
“Even Arjuna, one of the greatest warriors, faced mental and emotional challenges despite having Lord Krishna by his side. This reminds us that young people, too, need the right guidance and mentors. Taking drugs is not a matter of pride; helping someone find their way back from the wrong company is. Birla welcomed the Punjab government’s collaborative approach, saying it brought together government departments, civil society organisations, educators, healthcare professionals and community leaders to build a sustainable ecosystem for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration. The initiative is being implemented through Mpower, a subsidiary of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, under its COPE – Counselling and Outreach for Peer Empowerment -framework. It forms part of Punjab’s broader efforts under Yudh Nashean Virudh to tackle substance abuse through prevention, awareness and collective responsibility.
SANGAT is designed by the youth, for the youth, to encourage peer support, promote mental wellbeing and help young people make healthier choices,” he said.
