Calling for a broader and more compassionate approach to tackling drug abuse, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said the state’s anti-drug strategy must extend beyond cracking down on traffickers to addressing the social conditions that fuel addiction. He said the ultimate objective is not only to dismantle the illegal narcotics trade but also to eliminate the demand for drugs through awareness, rehabilitation and active community participation.
Addressing the ‘Dialogue with NGOs and Chemists’ Associations for a Drug-Free Haryana’ under the Haryana Uday campaign in Panchkula, the Chief Minister said Haryana’s identity has long been shaped by its sporting excellence, rich spiritual traditions, brave soldiers, hardworking farmers and the remarkable achievements of its daughters. He asserted that the state would not allow this legacy to be overshadowed by the growing threat of substance abuse.
The Chief Minister said that while strict legal action against drug peddlers remains essential, the fight against narcotics cannot succeed through enforcement alone. Sustainable success, he noted, will come only when families become more aware, communities remain vigilant and young people consciously choose to stay away from drugs. As demand declines, he said, the illegal drug trade will naturally weaken, making community policing and public participation the strongest pillars of the state’s anti-drug campaign.
Emphasising the importance of rehabilitation, the Chief Minister cautioned against permanently labelling individuals struggling with addiction. He said society must provide them with opportunities to rebuild their lives rather than isolating them. According to him, trust, compassion and a supportive social environment can play a transformative role in helping individuals overcome addiction and return to mainstream society.
He observed that empathy and acceptance often become the most powerful tools for recovery, urging citizens, voluntary organisations and community groups to actively participate in rehabilitation efforts alongside preventive campaigns. Helping people reclaim their lives, he said, is as important as preventing addiction in the first place.
Highlighting the changing aspirations of India’s youth, the Chief Minister said the country is entering a new era driven by artificial intelligence, digital technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Young Indians are increasingly making their mark on the global stage through research, start-ups and technological advancements. At such a critical moment, he said, every young person lost to drug addiction represents not only a personal tragedy but also the loss of a future scientist, entrepreneur, athlete, innovator or nation-builder.
He reaffirmed that every young life is invaluable to the state and said the government’s priority is to create an environment where young people can realise their full potential while contributing to the vision of a developed India. Drug addiction, he added, should never become part of a young person’s future.
The Chief Minister also appealed directly to parents, describing families as the first line of defence against substance abuse. He urged parents to spend more meaningful time with their children, listen carefully to their concerns and strengthen family bonds at a time when digital distractions are increasingly replacing personal interaction.
He said children require trust, communication and emotional support more than anything else. Parents who become friends and mentors to their children can help identify problems early and guide them away from harmful influences. At the same time, he encouraged communities to look beyond their own households and share responsibility for the well-being of children across neighbourhoods.
Referring to India’s cultural values, the Chief Minister said the country’s civilisational ethos teaches that the entire world is one family. If society succeeds in protecting even one child from falling into the trap of addiction, he remarked, it would represent a collective victory for the entire community.
The interaction formed part of the Haryana Uday campaign, through which the state government is seeking to transform the fight against drug abuse into a sustained public movement by combining strict enforcement with awareness, rehabilitation and widespread community engagement.