BHADARWAH, Aug 18: Marking the sixth anniversary of the nationwide Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, the Social Welfare Department organised an awareness-cum-drawing competition at Bharatiya Vidya Mandir (BVM), Bhaderwah, on Tuesday to sensitise students about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
The programme was organised by the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO), Bhaderwah, under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner Doda and Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah. The initiative focused on involving students as grassroots ambassadors in the campaign for a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, TSWO Bhaderwah Shahnawaz Ahmad stressed the importance of early prevention, awareness and community vigilance to protect young people from the growing menace of drug abuse.
“Substance abuse destroys not only individual lives but also the fabric of families and communities. The youth must rise as responsible ambassadors and lead this campaign from the front,” Ahmad said, emphasising the need for collective efforts to eradicate the menace.
The event was conducted under the supervision of the District Social Welfare Officer, Doda, and witnessed active participation from students, teachers and local stakeholders. Speakers highlighted the serious physical, psychological and socio-economic consequences of drug addiction and stressed the importance of parental guidance and supportive educational institutions in preventing substance abuse.
BVM Bhaderwah Principal Priya Kohli appreciated the initiative and highlighted the important role of schools in creating awareness among young minds.
“Schools, teachers and parents form the first line of defence. It is our shared duty to educate children early, identify warning signs and ensure that they do not fall prey to harmful vices,” she said.
As part of the awareness drive, a drawing competition was organised in which students expressed their views on healthy living and the devastating impact of narcotics through creative artwork.
The programme concluded with an anti-drug pledge. Students and participants resolved to stay away from narcotics, discourage substance abuse among their peers and extend their support to the administration’s efforts to make the region completely Nasha Mukt.