TNR Exclusive: Drug addict for 17 years, Himachal youth reveals secret how he kicked the habit in 2007, is now a successful businessman & mountaineer
The Newz Radar
MANDI:Residing in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is Panki Sood, an enterprising young man. He successfully operates a business, is a trained mountaineer, and manages the hosting services at The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Tirthan Valley. His company, Himalayan Sunshine Adventures, specializes in treks and adventure activities within this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
This transformation unfolded after 2007 when Panki Sood, once ensnared in drug addiction for seventeen years, triumphed over his arduous battle with substance abuse.
During an exclusive interview with TNR, Panki candidly recounted his past. At the tender age of six, he developed a habit of pilfering money from his mother’s purse to fuel his video game obsession. This inclination later paved the way for his descent into drug addiction.
As a doormat personality since childhood, he endured frequent bullying in school, leading to a heightened sense of rejection. Recalling those early years, Sood expressed, “I was often punished and sent outside the class more than I was allowed to sit inside and study.”
At the age of 13, Panki’s struggles escalated when he first experimented with smoking, seeking an escape from feelings of loneliness and sadness. Unaware of the magnitude of his actions, he progressively added alcohol to his repertoire, indulging in both secret and social addictions.
The allure of marijuana, referred to as the “prasad of Mahadev” in the Kullu Valley, proved irresistible. However, things took a turn for the worse when he moved to Chandigarh for secondary schooling, dedicating two years solely to a life drenched in drugs.
Miles away from home, Panki reveled in newfound freedom. Yet, in moments of solitude, the shadows of addiction haunted him. The secrecy surrounding his actions intensified feelings of guilt and shame, fostering a sense of isolation.
As time passed, the negative repercussions of addiction became evident. Violent illness ensued if he went a day without drugs, perpetuating an agonizing cycle. Panki found himself in a dead-end job, isolated from family and friends, slipping deeper into depression. Numerous attempts to reintegrate into normal life resulted in relentless relapses, causing immense pain to his family.
Despite changing locations, environments, and seeking spiritual guidance, Panki’s struggle persisted. Family interventions, including a stint at a rehabilitation center in Ludhiana, proved futile as he swiftly relapsed each time.
“Our urge for the drugs were so harsh that we had no emotions for dead or alive. We once took out drugs from the pockets of our friends who had a fatal accident” recalls sood.
Marriage, orchestrated without disclosure to his wife in 2004, was anticipated to instill responsibility. However, Panki’s addiction persisted, even during the joyous occasion of his son’s birth, leading to further family discord.
The breaking point came when he left his son outside in the cold, prompting his family to tie him with a rope and transport him to a rehabilitation center in Delhi, following a friend’s successful treatment.
After nine months in rehab in Delhi and an additional three months in Kullu, Panki triumphed over his addiction through self-determination, courage, and familial support. The family now celebrates February 13, the day he entered rehab, as his “re-birth” day.
Panki, now invited by various organizations, shares his inspirational journey to encourage other addicts to overcome their struggles. Having visited over a hundred rehabs, he delivers a powerful message of hope and resilience.
Reflecting on his journey, Panki acknowledges the rough path and obstacles but emphasizes the sense of freedom gained by overcoming addiction. Temptation persists, but he proudly declares, “I had the power to make better choices,” focusing on creating an environment for personal growth while diminishing the allure of addiction.
