Srinagar, August 03: As part of its sustained efforts to promote awareness against substance abuse, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Field Office Srinagar, Monday organised an Integrated Outreach and Communication Programme (IOCP) on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Chandiloora, Tangmarg.
The programme, as per a PIB statement, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, officials and members of the local community. Experts and resource persons from the Police Department, Health Department, Social Welfare Department, Education Department and the local administration delivered informative lectures highlighting various dimensions of drug addiction, its prevention, rehabilitation and the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Welcoming the participants, Field Publicity Officer, Shahid Mohammad Lone, highlighted the mandate of the Central Bureau of Communication in disseminating information on flagship initiatives and welfare programmes of the Government of India. Stressing the growing challenge of substance abuse, he said that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan assumes greater significance in the present scenario. He emphasised that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has accorded high priority to the campaign and that timely dissemination of authentic information is essential for building awareness and encouraging community participation in combating drug addiction.
In his address, Field Publicity Officer, CBC Srinagar, Naseer Ahmad Rather, reiterated the commitment of the Central Bureau of Communication to taking the message of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to every village, school and community through awareness campaigns, outreach programmes and exhibitions. He said that Monday’s programme was aimed at educating, inspiring and motivating people, particularly the youth, to become ambassadors of a drug-free society. He also observed that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has made a positive impact and noted a significant decline in drug peddling since the campaign was intensified.
Speaking on the occasion, the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) emphasised that the Education Department remains committed to creating awareness among students regarding the dangers of substance abuse. He described the youth as the nation’s greatest asset and called upon them to stay away from drugs.
Addressing the gathering, resource person from the Health department Dr Tahir spoke extensively on the causes, consequences and rehabilitation of drug addiction. He observed that addiction often begins with peer pressure and gradually destroys individuals, families and society. He underlined the importance of resilience and social support in helping victims overcome addiction. Highlighting the importance of counselling, he informed the audience about the Government of India’s Tele-MANAS initiative and its toll-free mental health helpline 14416, besides explaining the significant role played by rehabilitation centres in helping addicts reintegrate into mainstream society.
Resource person from the Police Department, Sub-Inspector Faheem Aijaz elaborated on the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police in tackling the drug menace. Speaking about the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, he said that law enforcement agencies are taking stringent action against drug peddlers, traffickers and suppliers. He also sensitised students about emerging trends in drug trafficking, including parcel-based deliveries and cyber-enabled drug networks, cautioning them against becoming unknowingly involved in such criminal activities.
The Principal of GHSS Chandiloora appreciated the initiative of the Central Bureau of Communication in organising the awareness programme. He said that educational institutions, parents and teachers have a shared responsibility in protecting young minds from the menace of drugs through continuous guidance, counselling and value-based education.
Tehsil Social Welfare Department resource person, Zubair Ahmad, stressed that drug addiction is a societal issue requiring collective action. He highlighted the role of families, Panchayati Raj Institutions, youth clubs, religious organisations and community members in preventing substance abuse and supporting rehabilitation. He urged parents to maintain close communication with their children, monitor their activities and provide timely guidance and emotional support.
Students of the institution also expressed their views through speeches on the ill effects of drug abuse, the objectives of the campaign and the crucial role of youth in making society free from drugs.
Adding colour to the programme, the City Cultural Troupe, empanelled with the Central Bureau of Communication, presented skits depicting the devastating consequences of drug addiction and drug trafficking while spreading the message of a healthy, drug-free society.
To encourage active participation, the Bureau organised speech, painting and drawing competitions, along with an open quiz on the theme of drug de-addiction. Winners and participants were felicitated with certificates and mementoes.
Following the programme, students, teachers, officials and members of the public participated in an awareness rally through Chandiloora and Tangmarg, carrying banners and placards carrying anti-drug messages and appealing to society to support the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The programme concluded with all participants taking a pledge to stay away from drugs, discourage drug trafficking and actively contribute towards building a drug-free Jammu & Kashmir and a drug-free India.
