RAMNAGAR, Aug 1: The NCORD Cell of Government Degree College Ramnagar, in collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu & Kashmir, organised a comprehensive Drug De-addiction Awareness Programme to educate students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and to promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The programme was held under the patronage of the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Daljeet Singh Manhas, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The programme commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram, followed by the ceremonial welcome of the distinguished guests through the presentation of green plants as a symbol of respect and environmental consciousness. Ashok Chandel, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu, welcomed the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Daljeet Singh Manhas; Sham Lal Bhardwaj, Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Udhampur, welcomed Dr. Akhil Kumar, Medical Officer, Ramnagar; while Veronica Marwah, Field Officer, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu, welcomed Chain Singh, Naib Tehsildar, Ramnagar.
The inaugural ceremony continued with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and Saraswati Vandana, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
Dr. Sham Singh, Convenor of the NCORD Cell, delivered the formal welcome address and highlighted the growing menace of drug abuse among youth. He emphasised the importance of collective efforts by educational institutions, government agencies, healthcare professionals and society in combating substance abuse. A special video message by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, on drug awareness was also screened, inspiring students to actively participate in the fight against drug addiction.
The first technical session featured an informative lecture by Dr. Akhil Kumar, Medical Officer, Ramnagar, who elaborated on the concept of drug addiction, excessive use of narcotic substances, classification of drugs, reasons behind substance abuse, its adverse physical and psychological effects, preventive measures and available treatment options.
Veronica Marwah, Field Officer, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu, sensitised the students about the role of the Red Cross Society in creating awareness against drug abuse. She encouraged students to communicate openly with their parents, spread awareness within their communities, and actively participate in social initiatives. She also motivated faculty members and students to become members of the Indian Red Cross Society and contribute towards humanitarian service.
A practical demonstration on First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was conducted by Dr. Manpreet Kour, Medical Officer, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu. She explained the fundamentals of first aid and demonstrated life-saving CPR techniques, equipping participants with essential emergency response skills.
The programme also featured expert sessions by Dr. Vikas, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Udhampur, and Dr. Amrita Thakur, Clinical Psychologist, Government Medical College, Udhampur. They delivered insightful lectures on Drug De-addiction and Substance Use Disorder, discussing the psychological, social and health-related consequences of substance abuse on individuals, families and society. They also highlighted preventive strategies, counselling services and treatment mechanisms available for affected individuals.
Addressing the gathering, SI Kiranjeet Singh of Police Department, Ramnagar, spoke about the legal implications and adverse impact of drug abuse on students’ careers and future prospects. He urged the youth to channelise their energy towards constructive pursuits and become responsible citizens contributing to the welfare of their families and the nation.
Adding a creative dimension to the awareness campaign, the NSS volunteers of the college presented a powerful skit on “Nasha Mukti”, effectively portraying the devastating consequences of drug addiction and conveying a strong message of hope, rehabilitation and social responsibility.
In his presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Daljeet Singh Manhas, Principal, GDC Ramnagar, appreciated the NCORD Cell and the Indian Red Cross Society for organising such a timely and socially relevant programme. He observed that educational institutions have a pivotal role in nurturing responsible, informed and value-oriented citizens. Stressing that the youth are the greatest asset of the nation, he urged students to stay away from drugs, adopt healthy lifestyles, remain focused on academics and extracurricular activities, and become ambassadors of the anti-drug movement by spreading awareness within their families and communities.
The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks presented by Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Head, Department of English, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, resource persons, officials of the Indian Red Cross Society, faculty members, students and all stakeholders for their valuable contributions towards the successful conduct of the programme. The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
The programme was successfully organised by the NCORD Cell of the college comprising Dr. Sham Singh (Convenor), Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dr. Jeevan Kumar, Prof. Anice Ahmed, Prof. Sanjay Malhotra, Prof. Tanmeet Kour and Prof. Romesh Kumar. Dr. Sham Singh and Prof. Sanjay Malhotra served as the Coordinators of the event.
The programme was attended by a large number of students and faculty members, including Prof. Sumita Rao, Prof. Manmohan Singh, Dr. Kewal Kumar, Prof. Parminder Kumar, Prof. Puyesh Kant Sharma, Prof. Eisha Gohil, Prof. Rakesh Kumar Pandit, Prof. Sonia Raj, Prof. Jatinder Lal, Prof. Pankaj Dabgotra and Prof. Nazakit Hussain, whose presence added to the significance of the event.