3rd Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre to come up in Chunni Kalan: On the eve of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre announced the setting up of its third centre at Chunni Kalan in Punjab.

Akal Drug De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centres are being run under the aegis of The Kalgidhar Trust, a non-profit charitable trust, which has contributed 2.5 acres land for the new centre in Chunni Kalan. Currently Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre is operating two centres, one in Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, and another Cheema Sahib, Punjab. The 50-bed new centre will also house a research centre in the premises.

Colonel (Retired) Dr Rajinder Singh, Director, Akal Drug De-Addiction Centre, a 90-year-old crusader against drug addiction, while speaking to the media said, “This new centre will be a state-of-the-art drug de-addiction centre and rehabilitation facility, offering holistic modern clinical treatment uniquely integrating spirituality to create lasting change, with research centric approach.”

Colonel (Retired) Singh is a psychiatrist by profession and a veteran of the Indian Army. For over 50 years, he has been relentless in his fight to protect the youth from the drug menace. After serving a distinguished 30-year career in the Indian Army, focusing on the mental health of military troops, Dr Singh redirected his efforts towards combating drug addiction in the border state of Punjab, India.

He, at 90, continues to dedicate himself to this vital cause, serving as an inspiration to all.

“Punjab has been grappling with a severe drug addiction crisis, affecting thousands of families and leading to a breakdown in societal structures. The new centre will address not just the symptoms of addiction but also the underlying emotional and psychological pain, providing a holistic approach to recovery”, said Col. Singh.

Elaborating about the initiative, he said, “We do not see drugs and alcohol as the core issues but rather as solutions to underlying pain and maladaptive beliefs. Our approach involves working with each patient to safely dismantle their defences and uncover what lies beneath the surface.

We offer the finest medical treatment provided by expert psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Our holistic care integrates medication, diet, yoga, and cognitive behavioural therapies. Making the unconscious conscious allows for powerful healing and a true encounter with the self.”

He said, “When we talk about curing addiction rather than just admonishing addicts, we are focusing on a more holistic and compassionate approach to addressing substance abuse issues. This approach involves understanding addiction as a complex medical condition that requires comprehensive treatment and support. Our goal is helping 1000 broken homes in Punjab, bounce back every 3 months and restore hope and heal families affected by drug addiction.”

“Our ethos is centered on spiritual alignment to help recast the decline caused by drug addiction. While our treatment methods are scientific, clinical, and evidence-based, we emphasise awakening the patient’s willpower, nurtured in the ethos of  Chardikala (ever-rising spirits). We believe in changing the world view of addiction, mental health, and treatment by insisting that love (Divine Grace & Faith) is the ultimate healer.”

Dr. Debasish Basu, Director, World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Collaborating Centre at Chandigarh and Head, Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, said, “Substance use disorder (SUD, often colloquially called drug abuse or addiction), is a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual condition that plays havoc with the individuals, their families, communities, societies and nations. Like all complex problems which are multifactorial, it deserves a holistic approach with a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual perspective. All four components are important for the successful recovery of individuals with SUD and for their eventual transition to productive membership in mainstream society. I am happy to learn that, keeping in view the escalating menace of drugs in the region in general, and in Punjab in particular, The Kalgidhar Trust plans to set-up one more drug de-addiction-cum-research centre at Chunni Kalan in Mohali district which will be first of its kind centre offering holistic treatment and care to the patients with SUD. As in the past, I am sure that this centre will collaborate with PGIMER Chandigarh and Government Medical College Chandigarh for research activities.”

Dr. Harshinder Kaur, a Punjabi writer, paediatrician and an activist and Dr. Simi Waraich who is a renowned Psychiatrist were also present on the occasion.

Invest in curing addiction; Donate 1/- a day

The 1 Rupee Pledge embodies a simple yet powerful commitment to support Colonel Dr Rajinder Singh’s lifelong mission against drug addiction. Dr Singh initiated this chain of change by contributing 1 rupee a day equalling the amount to his entire life of 90 years.  Now, you have the opportunity to join this movement by pledging just 1 rupee a day for a duration that mirrors your own age or that of your loved ones. Whether it’s for a year, a decade, or even a century, your pledge signifies unity with our cause.

Join us in honouring Colonel Dr Rajinder Singh’s unwavering dedication and his noble efforts to heal Punjab. Every rupee pledged plays a vital role in bringing about substantial change in the lives of those affected by addiction.

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