Kokernag, Aug 5 (JKNS): A two-day Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme (ICOP) on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, commenced today at Government Model Higher Secondary School (GMHSS), Kokernag.
The programme was inaugurated by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Kokernag, Parvaiz Rahim.
The inaugural session witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, parents, officials and members of the local community.
Experts from the Departments of Health, Social Welfare, School Education and the local administration delivered informative lectures on the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, highlighting the causes, consequences, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of substance abuse.
Welcoming the participants, Field Publicity Officer, Shahid Mohammad Lone, highlighted the mandate of the Central Bureau of Communication in disseminating information on the flagship initiatives and welfare programmes of the Government of India. Stressing the growing challenge of substance abuse, he said that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has assumed greater significance in the present scenario.
He noted that the campaign reflects the commitment of the Hon’ble Prime Minister towards protecting the nation’s youth and emphasised that timely dissemination of authentic information is essential for building awareness and encouraging community participation.
He also underscored the crucial role of parents and teachers in identifying the early signs of addiction and guiding young people towards healthy lifestyles.
Addressing the gathering, Field Publicity Officer, CBC Srinagar, Naseer Ahmad Rather, reaffirmed CBC’s commitment to taking the message of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to every village, school and community through sustained awareness campaigns, outreach programmes and exhibitions.
He said that the campaign seeks to educate, inspire and motivate people, particularly the youth, to become ambassadors of a drug-free society.
He also observed that the intensified anti-drug campaign has yielded encouraging results in Jammu and Kashmir and called upon every section of society to contribute towards eliminating the menace of drugs.
In his presidential address, SDM Kokernag, Parvaiz Rahim, reiterated the commitment of the district administration towards eradicating drug abuse and trafficking.
He urged young people to channelise their energy into education, sports and other constructive pursuits, emphasising that collective societal efforts are essential to achieve the vision of a Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir.
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Resource persons from the Departments of Health, School Education and Social Welfare elaborated on the causes and consequences of substance abuse and highlighted the importance of prevention, timely intervention and rehabilitation. They emphasised ways to resist negative peer pressure and stressed the need for families and communities to provide emotional support to individuals struggling with addiction.
Mudasira Aziz, Counsellor, Drug De-addiction Centre, highlighted the importance of professional counselling and informed participants about the Government of India’s Tele-MANAS initiative and its toll-free mental health helpline 14416. She also explained the role of rehabilitation centres in helping recovering addicts reintegrate into mainstream society.
Speaking on legal aspects, she briefly highlighted the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and said that law enforcement agencies are taking stringent action against drug peddlers, traffickers and suppliers.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Mohammad Shafi Malik, Block Medical Officer, Larnoo; Rouf Hamid, Tehsil Social Welfare Officer, Shangus; Ishtiyaq Akhoon, Senior Lecturer, School Education Department; and Bashir Ahmad, Health Educator, Department of Health.
As part of CBC’s integrated communication strategy, the programme also featured an exhibition on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and live cultural performances by empanelled cultural troupes conveying the message of drug de-addiction through folk media.
Students participated enthusiastically in speech and painting competitions highlighting the importance of a drug-free society. An open quiz competition was also organised to enhance awareness about the campaign.
The inaugural day’s programme concluded with an awareness rally in which students, teachers and officials marched with banners and placards carrying anti-drug messages and appealed for collective action against substance abuse.
Participants also administered a pledge to remain free from drugs, discourage drug trafficking and actively contribute towards building a Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir and a Drug-Free India. (JKNS)
