Collective efforts need of the hour to keep youth away from drugs: Sanjeev Verma
Jammu :A massive public awareness march was organized Thursday in the Bhalwal area to strengthen awareness against drug abuse under the “NashaMukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan” being conducted under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The event was organized by Kailakh JyotishAvim Vedic Sansthan Trust, with enthusiastic participation from various sections of society, youth, social organizations, educational institutions and local residents.
The awareness march commenced from Bhalwal Chowk and concluded at S.D. Memorial School, Karwanda. Throughout the march, participants spread awareness through motivational slogans such as “Quit Drugs – Embrace Life,” “Save Youth – Save the Future,” and “Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir – Our Resolution.” The youth displayed remarkable enthusiasm during the march collectively pledged to bring positive change in society by standing united against drug abuse.
Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu & Kashmir Sanjeev Verma, the Chief Guest, addressed the gathering. Terming drug addiction a serious social and psychological challenge for society, he stated that the youth are the greatest strength of any nation and if they fall prey to drug addiction, the future of both society and the country is adversely affected. “Such awareness campaigns help develop positive thinking in society and guide the youth in the right direction,” he noted. He appealed to all social organizations, parents and teachers to actively contribute towards turning this anti-drug campaign into a mass movement.
Addressing the program, President of Shri KailakhJyotish and Vedic Sansthan Trust Mahant Rohit Shastri said that drug addiction affects not only an individual but the entire family and society. “Protecting the youth from drug abuse is one of the biggest social responsibilities of the present time and every section of society must come forward to address this issue,” he emphasised. Mahant Rohit Shastri said that the Trust has consistently been organizing social awareness programs and will continue similar campaigns in the future for drug de-addiction, youth awareness and social reform. He urged the people present to make others aware of the harmful effects of drug abuse and contribute towards building a healthy and cultured society.
Several other speakers also encouraged the youth to engage in sports, education, yoga, cultural activities and social service initiatives.
Among those present on the occasion included former Chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Bank and current Board of Directors member R.K. Chhibber; SDM North Deepak Kumar; SP Rural Ravinder Singh; Tehsildar Bhalwal Monica Sharma; former VDC Kuldeep Kumar; former Sarpanchs Anjali Sharma, Rajdev Singh, Vandana Kumari; SHO Garota and several members of civil society and prominent citizens.
At the conclusion of the program, the organizers expressed gratitude to all participants, government functionaries, social organizations and local residents, while reaffirming their commitment to continuously work towards building a drug-free society.
