The Jammu & Kashmir Rural Development on Saturday held an awareness seminar at Town Hall,Lagama Uri to sensitise people particularly youth about the consequences of drug abuse and importance of environment protection. Chairman JKRDS & former Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly Haji Mubarak Gul was the Chief Guest on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Mubarak Gul expressed his concern over the spread of drugs among the young people. He highlighted the importance of moral education in curbing the menace of drug addiction. "Good parenting, and schooling plays a major role in shaping the personality of our children. The curricula in schools should be fine tuned to the present challenges faced by our kids. The parents and teachers impact their impressionable minds," he said. Gul called for joint mission and collaborative approach of Government, civil society, educational institutions, rehabilitation centers, motivational speakers, mental health professionals, and other stake holders. "It is not a one man's task to curb the menace. Both the issues,be it environment or drug addiction,both have direct bearing on our future. So all the organs of society,be it government, civil society ,religious leaders,every one has to put in his efforts," he added. He asked the JKRDS members to play an important role in removal of drug menace from the society by keeping vigil in their respective areas and make people aware about ill effects of drug addiction besides providing help to local masjid committees, mohalla commities in curbing the heinous drug menace growing in our society.
While talking about environment protection, Gul said that our efforts should aim at protecting local ecosystems." The change we talk about should start from our homes. We have to inculcate civic sense in our selves. Time has come that we completely discard the use of polythene. Keeping our surroundings litter free is our duty. We should refrain from using automobiles for covering short distances,we should walk instead. Car pooling and using public transport also go a long way in helping lessen emission of green house gasses into atmosphere,"he said. Alluding to the development issues in the border areas, he said that the society functionaries have an added role to play to act as a link between the government and people. "We often see how the benefits of various central schemes doesn't reach people living in far flung areas. Usually the people in such areas are not well versed with such schemes due to illiteracy and lack of information. Therefore it is incumbent upon society members to inform local populace about various flag ship programmes , social and development schemes of Central and local government,"he added. Gul also called for resumption of cross LOC trade and establishment of proper banking facilities to ensure the ease of doing business in the region. "The area could become a fulcrum point of trade activity. I hope the GOI will work in that direction," he said. Gul also impressed upon the GOI to give assistance to Uri and other adjoining border areas under BGRF, back ward area development fund. He further called for concerted efforts, planing and financial assistance to address the development imbalances in the area by making special budgetary allotments under various central and local sector schemes.
The ocassion saw a huge participation of people from all walks of life, particularly the adjoining hilly areas. On the ocassion the society felicitated various people for their meritorious conduct and work in public life. The momentos and certificates of appreciation were given to students, scholars, police officers, civil society leaders, and people from different walks of life. Other esteemed dignitaries including Chairman JKRDS North Kashmir Khwaja Mohammad Shafi, Chairman JKRDS Youth Wing & People's Help Group Adv. Yunis Mubarak Gul, Dr. Sajad Shafi Uri, Chief Organisor Kashmir & District Chairman Baramulla Abdul Majeed Akhoon, also addressed the people and exhorted them to unite their efforts to curb the various issues menacing the society.General Secretary JKRDS Mohammad Amin Tekka, Central Secretary Shabir Ahmad,Sr. Provincial Vice Chairman Kashmir Mohammad Ashraf Khan, Spokesperson JKRDS Faisal Gul, Addtl. Prov Secretary Kashmir Abdul Gani Sheikh, Addtl. Secretary North Kashmir Ishfaq Ahmad Lone, District Chairman Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Saznawaz, Tehsil Chairman Eidgah Riyaz Ahmad Mir, District Chairman Youth Wing Srinagar Fahad Bhat,Tehsil Chairman Uri Bashir Ahmad Wathloo, Tehsil Chairman Boniyar Tanvir Ahmad Lone, Tehsil Coordinator Uri Yasir Arfat Banday, District Secratary Legal Cell Baramulla Adv. Toseal Ahmad, Tehsil Secretary Uri Fayaz Ahmad Khwaja, Tehsil Secratary Boniyar Inam-ul-Haq, Zain-ul-Haq and other functionaries of society were also present on the occasion.The event was organized by JKRDS North Kashmir, Tehsil Uri & Boniyar.