Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 26: On the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Government bodies, NGOs, legal and educational institutions, hospitals, and de-addiction centres across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh organized a series of awareness programmes, rallies, cultural activities and pledge ceremonies.
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The initiatives, aligned with the United Nations theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” and the national Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, aimed to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of community-driven prevention strategies.
A wide cross-section of society, including students, medical professionals, volunteers, law enforcement, and civil society members, actively participated in these events.
To mark the day, the Drugs and Food Control Organisation (DFCO), J&K, conducted a massive UT-wide awareness campaign to educate the public, especially the youth, about the perils of substance abuse.
The central event took place at Rama Krishna Mission Charitable Hospital, Udheywalla, Jammu, where DFCO officers highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral coordination in tackling drug trafficking and regulating pharmaceutical use.
Eminent speakers including Swami Yajnadhanandaji, Assistant Drugs Controller Arvind Sharma, ADC Pankaj Malhotra, Dr B D Sharma (Ex-DHS), and Swami Vijayeshanandaji addressed students, chemists, teachers, parents, and civil society.
The event, coordinated by Drugs Control Officer Tejveer Singh Sodi, stressed stricter control measures and active community participation.
Simultaneously, a series of impactful activities were conducted across all districts.
In Srinagar, an anti-drug rally was organised by DFCO from Bemina through key areas, headed by Assistant Drugs Controller Reema Gizala.
Reasi witnessed similar efforts under ADC Archana Mujoo, with strong participation from the trade fraternity.
In Shopian and Awantipora, rallies and public lectures were held in coordination with local chemists’ associations.
At Aripal Community Hall, DFCO officials stressed strict adherence to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and sensitised the public about prescription norms and controlled drug dispensation.
At Baramulla and Kupwara, rallies passed through Sopore, Handwara, Boniyar, and Tangmarg under Dr Zaffar Ahmad Bhat’s supervision.
The Chemist Association of Bandipora, Hajin, Sumbal, and Ganderbal also joined hands with DFCO to hold an awareness programme at Dak Bungalow Sumbal, led by Assistant Drugs Controller Dr Shabeer Ahmad Bhat.
In Samba, Deputy Drugs Controller Rajesh Anguralla oversaw a campaign where IEC material was widely distributed across chemist shops and nursing homes.
In Udhampur, a vibrant awareness programme chaired by the Deputy Commissioner featured cultural performances, including a musical presentation by singer Anirudh Sharma.
The event was coordinated by ADC Sanjeev Gupta with support from the Social Welfare Department.
In Anantnag, the Drugs Control Department in collaboration with the Chemists and Druggists Association Bijbehara organised a comprehensive awareness programme under ADC Rumessa Mohammad. Students from Boys Higher Secondary School Zirpara and chemists from Arwani, Sangam, and Tulkhun participated in the event. Speakers emphasized signs of addiction and urged strict vigilance.
A pledge rally from HSS Bijbehara to Town Hall was led by SDPO Sheikh Mudasir, who advised chemists to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Drug Control Officers from Kokernag and Pahalgam also contributed by sharing field insights on enforcement challenges.
Lotika Khajuria, State Drugs Controller, J&K said that the Government of J&K is committed to adopt stringent measures to eradicate drug abuse and ensure strict enforcement of drug laws across the Union Territory.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) 2nd Battalion, Jammu, under the directions of ADGP and Commandant General HG/CD & SDRF, J&K, Alok Kumar, organised a focused awareness programme and pledge ceremony at its Gandhi Nagar headquarters.
This initiative, aimed at sensitising the youth about the ill effects of drug abuse, saw the participation of MAM College students along with SDRF officers and jawans.
The programme began with an awareness talk highlighting how substance abuse is silently ruining lives and breaking families.
Officers from SDRF encouraged youth to make informed life choices and act as ambassadors of change in their communities.
The programme also highlighted this year’s UN theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” along with the Indian campaign “Nasha Mukt Bharat”.
The solemn pledge ceremony, where students and officers vowed to work towards a drug-free society, served as a powerful reminder of the collective role institutions and individuals must play.
IGP Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti also flagged off a drug awareness vehicle on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
As per a statement, the awareness campaign is a joint initiative of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the District Administration.
The specially designed vehicle will travel through urban and rural areas, educating people on the harmful effects of drug addiction, the legal consequences, and the importance of rehabilitation.
It will use digital displays, pamphlets, and interactive sessions to engage communities, especially focusing on preventing youth involvement in drugs.
Speaking on the occasion, the IGP Jammu, BS Tuti highlighted the need for combined efforts from both the police and citizens to effectively fight the drug menace.
DIG Jammu, Shiv Kumar Sharma urged for active community participation, while SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh stressed the role of parents and teachers in identifying early signs of drug use.
ADC Jammu reiterated the administration’s commitment to expanding de-addiction and counselling services.
The campaign aligns with the national goal of building a drug-free India by promoting healthy lifestyles, sports, and creative outlets as alternatives to substance abuse.
Senior officers including DIG Armed Vinod Kumar, SSP ANTF Mohammad Anwar-ul-Haq, and other senior police officials were present at the event.
ETI Nagrota organised a marathon flagged off by Deputy Excise Commissioners Sanjay Bhat and Tinna Mahajan.
Students from Pushpak Public School, trainees, and locals marched with anti-drug slogans in the marathon.
The event ended with strategy discussions and felicitation of standout participants.
Government College of Education (GCOE) Jammu held a documentary screening, slogan writing, and street play under its NCORD committee.
Principal Dr Jyoti Parihar called on institutions to instil healthy values in youth, aligning with this year’s UN theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
Similarly, a major walkathon was organised by the State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA), J&K and Ladakh, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The march began at Bahu Plaza, Jammu and concluded at Panama Chowk, where more than 100 students and volunteers took a pledge under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The campaign urged collective responsibility in eradicating addiction from communities.
Meanwhile, the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), J&K, hosted a detailed awareness programme at Maheshpura Chowk in collaboration with the Excise Department and JKSPYM.
General Secretary Rohit Khajuria and Excise Officer Swati Gupta underlined the importance of rehabilitation and law enforcement.
Lectures, discussions, and certificate distribution formed part of the event.
Speakers emphasized the impact of addiction on families and communities and called for long-term strategies built on prevention, counselling, and societal support.
In Ladakh, the Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Khaltse, led by Munsiff Judge Syed Tayoub Bukhari, organised a rally from the Munsiff Court to the Bus Stand, joined by students of Government Higher Secondary School.
Station House Officer Jamyang Namgail and SI Sonam Angdus also addressed the gathering. Speakers urged youth to stay drug-free and spread awareness in their circles.
District Hospital Bandipora marked the International Day against Drug Abuse with an awareness programme inaugurated by CMO Dr Ishtiyaq Ahmad and MS Dr Masrat Iqbal Wani.
They called for united efforts from all sections of society to fight addiction, especially among youth.
Speakers from the Addiction Treatment Facility highlighted long-term effects of drug dependency and discussed available support under government schemes.
The event included interactive sessions and was well received by participants.
PSPS College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu organised a seminar and expert talk under the theme “Breaking the Chains.”
Student speakers and NCC cadets gave presentations on the consequences of drug abuse and the role of youth in prevention.
Dr Rachna Devi emphasised mental health support and early prevention. Principal Dr Geetanjali Andotra lauded the efforts and a pledge was taken in support of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Government SPMR College of Commerce marked the International Day against Drug Abuse with essay writing and pledge-taking events.
Komal of B.Com Semester V won the essay competition, while Sumeer and Priya Sharma secured second and third places.
Principal Dr Rajinder Singh, in his address, urged the students to lead a drug-free life. He urged the students to become ambassadors of change and contribute to building a drug-free society.
A poster-making contest was also held. Tarish stood first, followed by Janvi and Keshav Sharma.
The events were judged by faculty members and coordinated by Prof Monika Mahajan, Prof Sanjeev Verma, and Dr Jagmeet Kaur. Several staff members were also present.
GDC Khour held a pledge ceremony and poster presentation to observe the anti-drug abuse day. NSS and NCC volunteers, along with faculty, committed to staying drug-free and promoting awareness.
Principal Dr T K Sharma appreciated the students’ efforts and called Nasha Mukt Bharat a movement to reclaim communities. The college will hold more programmes post-vacation.
GDC Sunderbani held an extension lecture and pledge ceremony to educate students about the dangers of addiction. Prof Davinder Kumar spoke on signs of addiction and ways to handle them.
Faculty members, including Dr Atal Bharti and Prof Rajat Bhardwaj, stressed awareness and legal consequences of drug use. Students took a pledge to support a drug-free society.
GDC Vijaypur marked the day with sports events, a lecture, and a drug-free pledge. A cricket and volleyball match were organised to promote healthy lifestyles.
Dr Anoop Bhagat stressed the role of sports in preventing drug abuse. Students engaged in a Q&A session, and the event concluded with pledges and vote of thanks.
The District De-addiction Centre Kargil organised an awareness event with a pledge ceremony and cultural performances. Chief Guest Kaneez Fatima emphasised timely intervention and counselling.
Students performed plays and received awards for competitions. A helpdesk was set up to guide participants about rehabilitation and treatment options.
GDC Marh, under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, observed the day with a student symposium, rally, and slogan writing. Students expressed concerns and solutions related to drug abuse.
Speakers stressed youth awareness and preventive steps. A pledge was taken and documentaries on drug addiction were screened during the event.
GDC Marheen organised a signature campaign and pledge ceremony under Operation Sanjivani. The event saw active student participation and was led by Physical Director Dr Balbinder Singh.
He encouraged youth to resist drugs and embrace healthy choices. Faculty members joined the event to strengthen the anti-drug message in the community.
Sangam Theatre Group Reasi also staged a Dogri Nukkad Natak titled “Nasha Mukti” at Dogra Chowk, Jammu, on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse.
The awareness event was organised by the Department of Excise and Taxation, City Excise Range North Jammu, under the direction of the Excise Commissioner J&K, Subash Chander Chibber, and supervision of Deputy Excise Commissioner (Executive) Jammu.
The programme was conducted by Excise & Taxation Officer City Range North, Swati Gupta.
The street play focused on the harmful effects of drug abuse and the consequences of drug trafficking. Through powerful performances, the actors conveyed that drug addiction brings immense pain and destruction, far outweighing any temporary pleasure.
Mission Shakti District Hub for Empowerment of Women Social Welfare Department also observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Government Ayurvedic Hospital. Powerful awareness sessions were organised to spread the message of a drug-free and healthier society.
“International Day against Drug Abuse is not just a reminder of the problem, but a call to educate, support and to build a healthier future for our youth and Mission Shakti is committed to this cause,” said District Mission Coordinator Mission Shakti Shagun Manchanda while addressing the gathering.
The session featured distinguished resource persons Advocate Meenu Padha and Pallavi Singh, Program Director, IN NGO JKSPYM SLCA J&K. J&K Police Sub-Inspectors M S Malik, Ashish Manhas and Imran also spoke on the occasion.
The Superintendent Govt Ayurvedic Hospital Dr Vandana Dogra appreciated the initiative taken by Mission Shakti DHEW Jammu. Also present were Deputy Superintendent Govt Ayurvedic Hospital Dr Aruna Bhat and Specialist in Financial Literacy Mission Shakti Sunil Choudhary.
Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Kashmir (IMHANS-K), Department of Psychiatry, GMC Srinagar, also observed the International Day against Drug Abuse.
In his address, Dr Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor and In-charge Head of de-addiction services at IMHANS-K, highlighted the role of religious leaders to curb the alarming rise in substance use in the Valley.
“There is an urgent need for collective and community-based interventions. Religious leaders can be proactive agents of the change in curbing the crisis,” he said.
Other faculty members and dignitaries at the event also suggested different strategies to control the rising menace of drug abuse in the region.
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