THANNAMANDI, Sep 21: Government Degree College Thannamandi under the guidance of the Principal Prof. (Dr.) Shamim Ahmed Azad organised an interactive counseling and awareness session on “Substance Use Disorder: Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation” under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). The programme was aimed at sensitising students to the growing menace of substance abuse and educating them about their role in building a healthy and drug-free society.
The interaction was conducted in front of the Botany department, College Canteen area and at the college entrance gate with active participation from students and faculty members. The programme was conducted under the convenorship of Dr. Ather Aziz Raina.Prof. Rizwana Kousar served as the resources person for the occasion. She interacted with students and delivered a comprehensive address on the warning signs, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation associated with substance use disorder.
Addressing the students, Prof. Rizwana Kousar explained that substance abuse is a serious social and public-health concern with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families and society.
She also explained that substance use disorder must be addressed through a scientific, compassionate and non-stigmatising approach. She stressed that an affected person should not be subjected to ridicule, discrimination or social isolation.
Instead, such individuals require emotional support, professional counseling, appropriate medical assistance and cooperation from their families and communities. She further advised students to respond responsibly if they notice signs of substance abuse among friends or acquaintances.
Rather than ignoring the situation or passing judgement, they should encourage the affected individual to seek professional help and, where necessary, bring the matter to the attention of responsible family members, teachers, counselors or appropriate authorities.
She encouraged students to adopt a disciplined and healthy lifestyle, participate in sports, cultural and extracurricular activities, maintain positive peer groups and develop healthy methods of managing stress. She underscored the role of educational institutions in promoting awareness and empowering young people to act as responsible ambassadors of a drug-free society.
The students were also sensitised to the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, by Dr. ShaziaPaswal which seeks to strengthen awareness regarding the harmful consequences of substance abuse. The session was interactive in nature, and students were encouraged to raise questions regarding addiction, peer pressure, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and social responsibility.
Members of the NMBA Committee, Prof. Rumy Dar, Dr. NaginaKousser, Dr. MohdAshrif, Dr. ShaziaPaswal and Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, actively contributed to the successful conduct of the programme and supported the awareness initiative through their interaction with the participating students.Among the prominent faculty members present on the occasion were Dr. Nazakat Hussain, Head Department of History and Anuj Bali, Chief Librarian.
The initiative formed part of Government Degree College Thanamandi’s continuing efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to promote awareness, preventive education and responsible youth participation in building a healthier and drug-free society.