Nestled in the foothills of the Shivaliks, the sprawling Premnagar Ashram on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar played host to an unusual gathering in the mid-November balmy weather, ideal for an afternoon drink for many. Hundreds of members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a worldwide fellowship of over 20 lakh recovering alcoholics, raised a toast over a cup of coffee or tea instead — reaffirming their faith that a sober and normal life was possible without that ‘Patiala peg’ which virtually destroyed their lives once.

With gratitude in the heart and a prayer on the lips, enthusiastic recovering alcoholics shared their experience, strength and hope at the 5th AA Haridwar Convention on an apt theme — “towards spiritual awakening”.

“The convention is a thanksgiving event at the serene, tra

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