New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- The Punjab government has launched SANGAT mental health clubs in 40 colleges as part of its Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, combining campus-based awareness, peer support and early intervention in its efforts to prevent substance abuse among young people. The initiative is being led by the Department of Higher Education in partnership with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET).

Launched at Plaksha University in Mohali, the programme aims to make college campuses more supportive environments where students can identify signs of emotional distress, discuss mental health concerns without stigma and connect peers with appropriate professional assistance. Education minister Harjot Singh Bains and former Delhi deputy chie...