‘Prime Minister’s mention motivates us to work harder’
Srinagar, Jan 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 130th episode of the monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, spotlighted a grassroots initiative from Sheikhgund village in Shangus area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, praising the collective resolve of the community in tackling drug abuse and tobacco consumption.
In his address, PM Modi underlined the power of unity, saying that when the strength of families and society comes together, even the most difficult challenges can be overcome.
Citing Sheikhgund as a powerful example, the PM said the college had been grappling with a growing menace of drugs, tobacco, cigarettes and alcohol.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer KNO, Mir Jaffer, who spearheaded the campaign, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for acknowledging the initiative, calling it a moment of pride for Sheikhgund and the entire Anantnag.
PM Modi said that Mir Jaffer was deeply disturbed by the worsening situation of his village, following which he brought everyone together.
He said Jaffer later motivated everyone, and after awareness campaigns, shops stopped selling tobacco products in the village last year.
“Recognition of PM is definitely a morale booster, and it has strengthened our resolve and motivated us to continue working harder,” Jaffer said
Mir said the idea of launching the campaign took shape after he witnessed an alarming rise in drug abuse among youngsters and cancer cases among elders, linked to tobacco consumption.
“I also witnessed many elderly people suffering from cancer because of tobacco use. Then I decided to act,” he said. “After creating awareness among the people about the harmful effects of smoking, chewing tobacco and drug abuse, grocery store owners pledged to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products, and villagers committed to quitting smoking.”
Smoking always acts as a gateway to more dangerous forms of substance abuse, thereby making intervention critical, but with our efforts, there are satisfactory results before us, Jaffer said, adding, “If we can do it, others too can.”
He urged people, especially the youth, to use their knowledge positively and stay away from such menaces.
“Whenever you start to do good things, you will definitely face criticism, but that doesn’t mean you should stop speaking truth,” Jaffer said, adding that most of the people supported him. (KNO)
