The 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking' was observed today in the auditorium hall of NM Higher Secondary School, Bandipora. The program, organized by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with District Administration Bandipora, was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman and attended by people from all walks of life.
The program commenced with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Pledge, where participants took pledge against drug abuse and to work towards creating a drug-free society. On the occasion, a book written by renowned educationist Ahmadullah Shah was also released.
The program also featured cultural performances by students to highlight the ill effects of drug abuse. Addressing the gathering, the DC highlighted the role of panchayat-level awareness campaigns to combat drug abuse at the grassroots level.
He urged all stakeholders to come out of denial mode in cases of drug abuse and urged parents to be proactive and tackle drug abuse cases with added responsibility. He said that drug addicts are victims in need of compassion and effective support systems and stressed the need for collaborative efforts for their rehabilitation.
The DC also urged civil society members and religious heads to play their role in combating drug abuse. Highlighting the impact of drug abuse on students, District Social Welfare Officer Sahir Majeed urged everyone to join hands in raising awareness and taking action against drug abuse to ensure a brighter future for the generations to come.
Speaking on the occasion, Padmashree Faisal Ali Dar deliberated on the devastating impact of drug abuse and the urgent need for collective action to address this global issue. Later, an awareness rally was organized, which commenced at N. M. Hr. Secondary School Kaloosa and concluded at Gulshan Chowk Bandipora.
Padmashree Faisal Ali Dar, CEO G. M. Pujoo, DSWO Sahir Majeed, ARTO Anees Ahmad, DIO, Aadil Manzoor Wani, Secretary Handicapped Association Nazir Ahmad, officers and officials of different departments, civil society members, youth and students, among others, were present on the occasion.