JAMMU/ NEW DELHI, Oct 19: The Department of Social & Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Ladakh Students Welfare Society, Delhi (LSWSD), and the All Kargil Student Association, Delhi (AKSAD), organised a two-day Interactive Youth Engagement Programme on Substance Abuse and Mental Health under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) on October 17 and 18, 2026, at the University of Delhi. The programme witnessed the participation of students from Ladakh pursuing their studies in Delhi.
The programme aimed to raise awareness about substance use disorders, promote mental health, dispel misconceptions surrounding addiction, and encourage informed and compassionate responses to substance-related challenges.
Dr Padma Angmo, Psychiatrist, SNM Hospital, and Dr Mehdi Shabani, Medical Officer, Urban PHC Kargil, delivered sessions on substance use disorders, their causes and consequences, and their impact on individuals, families and communities. They emphasised the importance of early identification, timely intervention and a non-judgmental approach towards individuals experiencing addiction.
DySP Nilza Angmo and SI Padma Thinles from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force addressed the legal aspects of substance-related issues. Drawing on real-life experiences, they highlighted the consequences of drug-related activities, including drug peddling, and stressed the importance of prevention and collective responsibility in combating substance abuse.
Tsering Wangdus, OSD to the Administrative Secretary, Education Department, and Dr Wellayat Ali, Senior Lecturer, DIET Kargil, conducted sessions on Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning. The sessions highlighted emotional awareness, responsible decision-making and healthy interpersonal relationships, encouraging students to develop the skills necessary to navigate peer pressure and other challenges.
Representatives of the District De-addiction Centres (DDACs), Nilza Angmo and Imtiaz Hussain, briefed participants on the facilities and services available at the centres in Leh and Kargil, including treatment, rehabilitation and recovery support for individuals affected by substance use disorders. Participants also took the pledge under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, reaffirming their commitment to a drug-free society.
Dr Zahida Bano, Director, Social & Tribal Welfare, felicitated the student union representatives and underscored the importance of safeguarding oneself against substance abuse. She encouraged students to adopt healthy lifestyles and actively contribute towards building a drug-free society.
A dedicated session was also organised to address students’ scholarship-related queries and provide guidance on available scholarship schemes and welfare support.
On the second day, one-to-one counselling sessions were conducted by Dr Padma Angmo, Psychiatrist, SNM Hospital. The sessions provided students with a confidential and supportive environment to discuss their concerns and explore appropriate referral pathways for further counselling and assistance.
The programme highlighted the importance of awareness, early intervention, mental health support and youth participation in addressing substance abuse and promoting the vision of a healthy and drug-free society.