Mothers are first line of defence against drugs: Punjab Lit Foundation empowers parents at Doon International School

PTC Web Desk:  "Mothers are the first line of defence in the war against drugs,” said Sanna Kaushal, co-founder of the Punjab Lit Foundation and media advisor to the National Commission for Women (NCW), while addressing parents and teachers at Doon International School in Mohali on Saturday. 

The seminar, organised under the Foundation’s ongoing “Mothers Against Drugs” campaign, aimed to educate and empower mothers to identify early signs of drug abuse among children. The initiative was launched in September last year and is led by noted author and former State Information Commissioner Khushwant Singh, co-founder of the Punjab Lit Foundation.

Highlighting the importance of maternal vigilance, Khushwant Singh said, “Mothers are that invisible force at home who can ensure their children stay away from drugs. We are helping them recognise early symptoms and take timely action. Every mother sensitised is a child saved.”

He added that the foundation has so far sensitised 3,500–4,000 mothers across Punjab and has reached as far as Ferozepur. The campaign emerged from the ‘People’s Walk Against Drugs’, where hundreds of young mothers participated to understand how to protect their children from addiction.

Sanna Kaushal urged families to share at least one meal a day to strengthen communication and monitor behavioural changes in children. She said mothers’ instincts, when empowered, could play a pivotal role in preventing substance abuse.

Renowned behavioural expert Gaurav Gill conducted an online session on recognising early signs of substance use and strategies for intervention. Principal Ira Bogra emphasised the growing need to protect children from not just drugs but also the adverse effects of excessive mobile use and misinformation on social media.

Mothers attending the event thanked the foundation for equipping them with practical tools and confidence to safeguard their children.