Srinagar : The Counselling Cell of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar in collaboration with CAUSE NGO and District Drug De-Addiction Rehabilitation Centre Tral Pulwama on Monday jointly organized a mega youth convention to observe the International Day against drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the campus.
According to a statement issued from Public Relations Office NIT, Srinagar, the theme for this year is “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination Strengthen Prevention” and students from various departments of NIT Srinagar participated in the Youth Convention and took a pledge against drug abuse.
The function was presided over by Director NIT Srinagar Prof. (Dr.) Sudhakar Yedla, who was Chief Guest on the occasion.
The function was also attended by Dean Students Welfare, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Abdul Liman, Prof. Ishaq Geer (KU), Mr. Ajaz-ul-Haque (KU), Prof (Dr.)Yasir Rather (IMHANS, GMC Srinagar) and Patron CAUSE NGO, Mr. Mir Zubair, Dr. Neeraj Gupta, Dr. Gowhar Nabi, and Counsellor Mr. Feroz Malla among other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
In his inaugural address, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Yedla said that there is a need for collective efforts to curb drug menace from the society.
“Drug abuse can provide short-term pleasure or euphoria to drug addicts, but it can have significant negative effects on the human body in the long run. It can lead to various physical and mental health problems, affecting multiple organ systems and overall well-being,” he said.
Prof. Yedla said raising public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse is crucial. There is a need for collaborative efforts from various stakeholders in society to prevent our youth from the drug menace, he said.
In his message, Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said such programs are need of the hour. We have to create an environment that supports and empowers young people to make healthy choices and stay away from drug abuse, he added.
Dean Students Welfare, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Liman said drug abuse is indeed a significant and pressing issue worldwide. To address it through a comprehensive approach requires prevention, treatment, law enforcement, and social support, he said.
Prof. Ishaq Geer, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Kashmir highlighted various aspects of drug abuse in his address.
He focused on the importance of addressing the multi-faceted nature of drug abuse through a holistic and comprehensive approach.
Mr.Aijaz Ul Haq from the Mass Communication Department of KU delivered his talk on ‘Towards a Drug-Free Society. He said in an ideal drug-free society, prevention efforts could be highly effective, focusing on education, awareness, and addressing the root causes of drug abuse.
Prof (Dr.)Yasir Rather, Head Drug De Addiction Centre Institute Of Mental Health & Neurosciences, GMC Srinagar said over the past several years, there has been an increase in substance abuse cases in J&K.
“There is a need for more awareness programs for youth and students to curb the drug menace at ground level. In drug addiction, prevention is the best model and society has to play a vital role in making J&K a drug-free region,” he said.
Coordinator of Counselling Cell, Dr. Neeraj Gupta said the convention was aimed to raise awareness regarding drug addiction, its causes, and impacts. There are ups and downs in everyone’s life and urged students to focus on education, sports, innovation, and stay away from drugs, he said.
Mir Zubair, Patron of Drug De Addiction & Rehab Centre, Pulwama, and CAUSE NGO presented a formal vote of thanks to all resource persons, dignitaries, and students for making the event successful.
