In order to celebrate “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’', series of seminars and Cycle rallies were organized by the district administration across Baramulla district with an aim to create awareness among the youth and general public about the menace of drug abuse in the society.
The main function was held at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Baramulla wherein Education Department with an active collaboration of District administration Baramulla organised a day long seminar on the subject.
The Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar presided over the seminar as the chief guest while as Senior Superintendent of Police Rayees Mohammad Bhat was the guest of honour. President Municipal Council Baramulla also participated in the event.
The Seminar was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Chief Education Officer Baramulla G.M Lone, District Information Officer DYS&S Officer, Social Welfare Officer besides a large number of students, teachers and other concerned stakeholders.
On the occasion about 357 schools were connected through webcasting to sensitize school going children about the menace.Pertinently, the theme of the International Day Against Drug Abuse is "Share Drug Facts, Save Lives." The goal is to counteract misconceptions about drugs by disseminating true facts about them, ranging from health dangers and remedies to evidence-based prevention, treatment, and care.
At the outset, Chief Education Officer Baramulla presented a welcome note and highlighted the role of the Education department in disseminating the awareness regarding the drug abuse among the students.
While speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that the aim of organizing this seminar is to create awareness among common masses while sanitizing students with regard to the drug abuse and illicit trafficking in our society.
Emphasizing the importance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking being observed across the world, DC stressed " let us all reaffirm our resolve and work together to eradicate the menace of drug abuse from our society".
The Deputy Commissioner further called upon the community members, religious & spiritual heads, mainstream media to be the torch-bearers in spreading the message that “Drug abuse has no place in any civilized society”.
She also stressed upon the parents to closely monitor their children and urged them to help their wards choose different career avenues through which they can channelize their potential and energy in a positive way.
DC advised the students to choose best company for them to have a positive impact in their social lives and laid special emphasis on counselling of youth for addressing drug de-addiction and improving mental health through dedicated programmes.
DC also said that Youth Clubs have been established in every Panchayat across the district for constructive activities and addressing all the concerns of young generation so that issues of the youth are taken into consideration.
President Municipal Council Baramulla also spoke on the occasion and highlighted about the drug addiction and the ways to prevent from this menace. He urged upon the participants to work vibrantly against the menace of drug addiction.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla while addressing the gathering said that drug abuse poses a serious challenge to our society and urged upon the fact that parents should come forward for they have a key role to address the menace.
He said that vulnerable sections of the society need to be identified and assist them in to move on promising tracks of the life.On the occasion, the students also delivered speeches on Drug abuse and highlighted the ill effects of drugs in the society.
The student also took part in series of activities including painting, essay writing competition and cultural programmes depicting the hazards of drugs and its impact in the society.A felicitation programme was also held wherein appreciation certificates were handed over by the chief guest to the students who have shown the best performance while performing in different series of activities held during the programme.
Furthermore, District Administration Baramulla had launched an Anti Drug Abuse Jingle focusing on sensitising the people about various hazardous and ill-effects of drug abuse besides various legal provisions against its illicit trafficking under various provisions of the Narcotics Act.
Earlier, Department of Youth Services and Sports in collaboration with District administration Baramulla and Education Department organised a cycle rally from Government Degree College Baramulla to DC Office to commemorate the day wherein a large number of students across the district participated with great sports enthusiasm.
The rally was flagged-off by the District Development Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar in presence of the senior functionaries of the district. The purpose of the rally was to imbibe amongst youth the spirit of brotherhood and to popularise the usage of bicycles thereby keeping youth free of drug abuse.
Meanwhile, similar seminars, rallies, and awareness programmes were also held at all Blocks of the district to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.