JAMMU, Aug 5: As part of the week-long Independence Day celebrations, the Literary Club and NCORD Committee of Government College of Education (GCOE), Jammu, organised a seminar on the theme “Nasha Mukt Bharat for a Strong Bharat” to create awareness among students about the growing menace of substance abuse and encourage them to lead a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Principal Dr. Jyoti Parihar, who stressed the need for collective efforts to eliminate drug abuse from society. Addressing the gathering, she said that awareness, education, strong family support and the positive engagement of youth are essential to preventing addiction and building a healthier nation. She urged students to act as ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by spreading awareness within their communities.
The seminar witnessed active participation from students and faculty members, with speakers highlighting the harmful impact of substance abuse on physical health, mental well-being, education, family relationships and society at large. They emphasised that addiction not only destroys individual lives but also hampers the progress of the nation.
Dr. Shalini Rana, Convener of the programme, encouraged students to become responsible citizens and actively contribute towards making India drug-free. She called upon the youth to adopt positive values and inspire others to make informed and healthy choices.
Following the seminar, an essay writing competition was organised to encourage students to express their thoughts on the importance of a drug-free society. The panel of judges comprised Dr. Davinder Kour, Prof. Balwan Singh, Dr. Shubra Jamwal and Dr. Suraj Prakash.
In the seminar competition, Pallavi Choudhary secured the first position, while Siya Devi and Anchal won the second and third prizes, respectively. In the essay writing competition, Prashant and V. Surajalakshmi jointly secured the first prize, while Gunjandeep Kour and Vansh bagged the second and third positions.
The event was coordinated by ITEP Semester III students Shubh, Prashant, V. Surajalaxmi and Vansh, while Rudrakshi Singh compered the programme.
The valedictory function concluded with the Principal and senior faculty members presenting medals to the winners in the presence of faculty members, including Prof. Ramzan Ali, Prof. Anuradha Choudhary, Prof. Roopa, Prof. Shalini Sharma, Prof. Deepali Devi, Prof. Shallu Jasrotia, Dr. Rakesh Bharti and Dr. Ambica Kumari.
The seminar concluded with a collective pledge by students to stay away from drugs and work towards building a strong, healthy and drug-free India, reinforcing the message that empowered and addiction-free youth are the foundation of a progressive nation.