Parents must identify early signs, invest time in nurturing youth towards positive pathways: DC B’Pora

Bandipora: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Bandipora, in collaboration with the Cultural Unit DIPR Srinagar, Tuesday organized an awareness-cum-cultural programme at the Auditorium Hall of N.M. Higher Secondary School, Kaloosa, under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.
The event was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, and witnessed the presence of ADC Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl; District Programme Officer ICDS, Yaar Ali Khan; District Information Officer, Aadil Manzoor Wani; DySP DAR, Ahmad Shafee; Excise and Taxation Officer North Kashmir, Danishwar Shafi; DySP C.L. Verma, DyCEO Dr. G.M. Pujoo, principal N.M. Higher Secondary School and large gathering of students from various schools.
Speaking on the occasion, DC emphasized the importance of engaging families in addressing drug abuse. He urged parents to remain vigilant about behavioral changes in their children and to invest time in nurturing and guiding them towards constructive pathways.
He called for collective efforts to protect society from the growing threat of substance abuse.
In his message, Qadri called upon participants and all segments of society to actively spread awareness, identify vulnerable individuals, and support government initiatives aimed at creating a healthier and safer society.
ADC while presenting an overview of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, deliberated on the campaign’s multidimensional approach, which includes awareness, education, rehabilitation, and community mobilization. He laid emphasis on the active participation of students and the role of educational institutions in instilling awareness at an early age. He also elaborated on the importance of awareness through panchayat-level IEC activities.
Earlier in his welcome address, District Information Officer highlighted the objective of the IEC campaign under the Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan, aimed at raising awareness against drug abuse in every corner of the district.
DySP C.L. Verma, speaking on the occasion, detailed the initiatives undertaken by the police department in combating the drug menace.
He elaborated on the social, economic, and medical consequences of drug use, and advocated for youth participation in sports and other productive activities.
Dr. Anjum Reshi, Medical Officer, Drug De-addiction Centre Bandipora, stressed the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, and society as a whole in addressing drug abuse. She also elaborated on the rehabilitation services available in the district, encouraging those in need to seek support without fear or stigma.
The event also featured skits presented by the artists from the Cultural Unit DIPR Srinagar and students of HSS Mantrigam, which effectively portrayed the devastating consequences of drug addiction on individuals, families, and society. The performances were emotionally compelling and were received with loud applause from the audience.
Students from various schools delivered speeches and poetry, promoting the message of a drug-free society.
A pledge ceremony was also held, led by artists of the Cultural Unit DIPR, affirming commitment to actively contribute towards the creation of a drug-free society.
Students who delivered speeches and participated in the skits were felicitated with cash prizes for their contributions.