Sunil Khosla: A Mission of Healing, Recovery, and Community Transformation Sunil Khosla, a seasoned healthcare professional and social worker from Batala, Punjab, has spent over 25 years serving vulnerable communities through medical care and addiction recovery initiatives. Armed with a Diploma in Pharmacy and registration from the Punjab State Pharmacy Council, he began his career in 1995, initially as a medical service provider. Over time, he transitioned into a pioneering advocate for mental health and de-addiction, recognized for his unwavering commitment, compassionate leadership, and grassroots involvement. A pivotal moment in his career came in 2020 with the establishment of Disha Neuropsychiatry & De-addiction Clinic, where he serves as Founder and Director. This clinic has grown into a vital lifeline for individuals battling substance use disorders, offering structured, empathetic recovery programs. Under his direction, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, counselors, and support staff collaborate to provide patient-centered care. The clinic is distinguished not just by its clinical approach, but by its emphasis on holistic healing—targeting the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of addiction. He remains actively involved in the daily operations of the clinic, personally assessing clients and developing customized treatment plans. His dedication to fostering a stigma-free, compassionate environment has set the tone for the organization’s culture. A strong proponent of continuity in care, he has developed robust aftercare models that ensure long-term support even after formal treatment ends. Since 2020, he has played a vital role in addressing drug abuse across the sensitive border areas of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, especially in the R.S. Pura region, located just six kilometers from the India-Pakistan border. His clinic has been instrumental in delivering recovery resources in these high-risk, underserved zones. Aware of the socio-political and economic challenges in such areas, he has designed culturally sensitive and community-oriented intervention strategies that ensure accessibility and trust. His professional expertise encompasses addiction counseling, crisis management, community outreach, and program development. More than an administrator, he serves as a counselor and mentor, viewing addiction not merely as a clinical condition but a societal challenge that demands compassion, education, and collective action. His approach champions the dignity and humanity of those in recovery, offering them not only treatment but a renewed sense of purpose. Since 2016, he has also served as a Peer Support Counselor and Coordinator. Drawing from both personal and professional experiences, he guides others through recovery, trains volunteers, and facilitates peer-led support groups that nurture solidarity and resilience. His mentorship has empowered many to rebuild their lives and become advocates for others in similar situations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he collaborated with government health departments to provide critical care and relief services. His efforts extended to organizing blood donation drives, distributing food and essential medicines, and supporting children with heart conditions through partnerships with health and welfare agencies. These humanitarian contributions earned him significant respect and further established his role as a dependable leader during times of crisis. An accomplished public speaker and educator, he leads mental health awareness campaigns and conducts workshops aimed at dismantling the stigma surrounding addiction. His outreach efforts span rural communities, schools, and institutions, advocating for prevention through education and promoting recovery as a right rather than a privilege. He operates with a guiding philosophy: “Addiction is not just about substances; it’s about people, their struggles, and their potential for change.” This belief fuels his daily work—whether in counseling, volunteer training, public speaking, or policy advocacy. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree, he is committed to enhancing evidence-based practices in mental health and addiction services. His academic journey complements his community-focused mission, equipping him with both theoretical insight and practical wisdom. Looking ahead, he envisions expanding the reach of Disha Neuropsychiatry & De-addiction Clinic, building alliances with mental health organizations, and influencing policy frameworks that improve care accessibility for marginalized populations. He is particularly invested in mentoring the next generation of addiction counselors, instilling in them the values that have guided his own path—empathy, resilience, and purpose.
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