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As the world marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26th, it is an opportunity to reflect on, discuss, and make strategies to tackle the world drug problem! This year's theme, 'Invest in Prevention,' aligns perfectly with Saint Dr. MSG's relentless efforts to combat substance abuse through his DEPTH campaign, which emphasizes health and meditation as powerful tools for transformation.
Drugs, for some, may be a form of recreation but they can quickly turn into a dangerous addiction, one that is very difficult to get rid of. Despite the known dangers, the number of drug users globally continues to rise. This can be attributed to many reasons. For one, busier and more stressful lifestyles have led to many falling prey to drugs to cope with their realities. Others start taking drugs to try and look cool but end up becoming maniacs and addicts.
No matter the cause, addiction to drugs (be it cannabis, opioids or tobacco) does not affect only one. It affects families, communities and countries. Hundreds lose their lives to overdose, while many end up taking their own lives. For hundreds of such families losing loved ones to drugs every year, drugs have turned their lives upside down. Yet, recreational drug use and substance abuse remain widespread, both as a norm and a status symbol in many regions of our country.
For decades, MSG (Shah Mastana Ji, Shah Satnam Ji and Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan) has actively campaigned against drug use and alcohol consumption. In the last three decades, His Holiness Saint Dr. MSG has travelled from district to district, state to state, teaching all ages and genders the easiest way to get rid of this terrible addiction.
Revered Saint Dr. MSG says that drugs not only destroy one’s outer home—breaking apart families, and destroying finances but they also destroy one’s inner self—causing physical ailments and leading to mental illnesses. Furthermore, Saint Dr. MSG says that all religions advise against substances with some religions describing drugs and alcohol as the food of the devil and a destroyer of all devotion.
This campaign against drugs has been termed DEPTH (short for Drug Eradication Pan-India Through Health & meditation). Now in its eighth decade, the campaign has become a movement which has reached millions and motivated over 70 million people to give up all forms of non-medicinal drug use and alcohol consumption. But how does Saint Dr. MSG do this, one may ask.
Saint Dr. MSG educates the masses about the many consequences of taking drugs for pleasure or to escape—detailing the health effects that arise from smoking and having cannabis, opioids, etc. During His sermons, His Holiness also asks those present in his Satsangs to throw any pouches/packets of drugs/intoxicants they may have. In return, Saint Dr. MSG teaches the method of meditation free of cost to boost the self-confidence of those who chant it.
Due to His holy sayings, thousands have successfully eliminated Cannabis, opioids, and other drugs from their lifestyle and many continue to do so every day.
Saint Dr. MSG has also utilized the power of music to spread his message against Drugs. His songs "Jaago Duniya De Loko", "Mere Desh Ki Jawani", and "Ashirwaad Maao Ka" resonate with powerful anti-drug messages, urging the youth to steer clear of substance abuse. Through melody and lyrics, he bridges the gap between spiritual guidance and modern concerns, making his anti-drug message not only heard but felt by a broader audience.
Since recovering addicts often face withdrawal symptoms, His Holiness has started the SAFE campaign. Short for ‘Simple healthy diet After quitting drugs for Faster recovery, based on Electrolytes and proteins’, this campaign provides health kits, containing vitamins, electrolytes and health supplements to those recovering from addictions. This initiative is especially aimed at those who come from low-income families and cannot afford needed dietary supplements.
While recovery is an effective step in this mission, prevention is the best step. For this, Saint Dr. MSG asks all joining the DEPTH campaign to pledge against all forms of recreational or non-medicinal drug & alcohol use.
Moreover, the volunteers of Dera Sacha Sauda, led by His Holiness, have become an unparalleled force and created massive awareness about problems associated with drug use among the general public.
Another effective step in preventing drug abuse is attacking the root, i.e. diminishing the availability of drugs. To bring about this change, Saint Dr. MSG has for years urged shopkeepers to give up selling tobacco and related products. Motivated by his teachings, hundreds have given up selling these products. Not only this but His Holiness also any village council representatives He meets or any local administrators to join this mission and improve our societies.
As the world continues to tackle one crisis after another, Saint Dr. MSG is leading the transformation of lives and continually working towards eliminating drug abuse. If you or someone you know is reeling from addiction and wants to fight it, you can call Dera Sacha Sauda at +91 8059602525
His Holiness, Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, is a revered spiritual leader and a guiding light for those in need!
