The power of small steps: People's walk against drugs

The power of the first step should never be underestimated, for I witnessed it firsthand.

- { GUEST COLUMN } Khushwant Singh

On December 11, I completed the second year of the "People's Walk Against Drugs". The first edition, held last year, was the result of an impromptu decision to awaken the civil society after watching haunting videos of Punjabi boys dying from drug consumption.

That 100-kilometre walk began in New Chandigarh and ended at Bhagat Singh's native village Khatkar Kalan.

By the time I took the final stride of the 2024 walk -- this time starting from my native village Chhauni Kalan and ending at the Jung-E-Azadi Memorial in Kartarpur, Jalandhar -- the initiative had transformed into a full-fledged anti-drug awareness movement. Of course, the joining of Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria during the last two days added a multiplier effect. His walking 15 kilometres at the age of 80 provided that much-needed shot in the arm that can turn small initiatives into significant movements.

Building strong narrative against drugs

A thorough gentleman with a balanced approach -- that is the impression I formed during our many conversations along the walk -- he came across as someone genuinely committed to contributing his part in helping Punjab build a strong narrative against drugs. It took him only a moment to decide to join me after I shared my programme and earlier experiences. "Khushwant ji, main aapke saath do din chalunga," he had said when I met him for the first time in my life.