Current Affairs - State - Discussion

Punjab launched the SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges on 22 October 2026 to improve youth wellbeing, encourage early intervention and help prevent substance abuse. The initiative is part of the state’s “Yudh Nashean Virudh” campaign, meaning “War Against Drugs.” It is led by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET) and Mpower. Under the programme, each participating college plans to train 25 students through a 14-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid course, providing a total of 1,000 planned student training places. The initiative also promotes mental health awareness, peer support and early recognition of emotional distress.