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Healing centre for Israeli drug addicts in Pushkar
by Lokendra Singh

     Pushkar (Rajasthan): A Jewish society from Israel has set up a healing centre here. Pushkar is a popular destination of tourists from all parts of the country and abroad, to treat visiting drug addicts from their country. A large number of Israeli tourists visit India looking for drugs and other psychotropic substances. Called Chabad House, the healing centre offers de-addiction treatment through religious teachings and meditation and even medical help whenever required.

     "I have been living in Pushkar for the past five years. I know who is the doctor here, where is a hotel. If somebody is sick, I will take him to hospital, I will try to help him. I know people here and people know me," said Chibi, operator of the Chabad House in Pushkar. Chibi said he has helped a large number of Israeli youth recover from their indulgences. Every year around 50,000 Israeli tourists visit Pushkar. According to Israelis, the youth land up in Pushkar and other tourist destinations in India to unwind after a hard and rugged compulsory three-year military training in their country after their schools. These Chabad Houses set up by Zeus society provide assistance to only people from their community. Besides Pushkar, there are four more such centres --Shimla, Manali, Kasauli and in New Delhi which are frequented by a sizeable number of Israeli tourists. Many Israeli youth frequent these places for easy availability of drugs, especially hashish. Situated 14 Km from Ajmer, Pushkar in Rajasthan is one of the five sacred "dhams" or, pilgrimage sites for devout Hindus. It is often called "Tirth Raj" (the king of pilgrimage sites).

      In recent years it has become a popular destination for foreign tourists. Pushkar is also famous for its annual Pushkar camel fair, which is the world's largest fair of its kind held in the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan State. The natural environment of Pushkar and the sacred lake has become increasingly degraded in the last few decades. The problems stem mainly from over development of tourist facilities and the deforestation of the surrounding area..
-Jan 2,  2007

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