Emphasising that nurturing the next generation is a shared responsibility, Nagrota MLA Devyani Rana on Sunday called for a collective societal effort to guide young people towards community engagement, spiritual values and constructive pursuits while protecting them from the growing menace of drug abuse and the harmful influence of social media.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion of Kabir Jayanti at Kattal Battal, Nagrota, in the presence of Sant Sudarshan Ji Maharaj Ji, Rana said that the teachings of Sant Kabir Ji remain a guiding light for building a compassionate, disciplined and harmonious society.
The gathering was sensitised about the 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, launched by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha Ji under the visionary guidance of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.
Devyani Rana appealed to the public to actively support the campaign by spreading awareness against substance abuse, encouraging community participation, and working collectively towards building a healthier, drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. She said that society has a vital responsibility in ensuring that young people remain connected with their cultural and spiritual roots by encouraging them to actively participate in community and religious activities.
Such engagement, she said, helps instil values, strengthens character and keeps youth away from social evils, particularly the growing threat of drug addiction. Expressing concern over the impact of digital platforms, the MLA stressed that parents and guardians must remain vigilant about the content children and adolescents consume on social media.
“The values and ideas our youth are exposed to today will shape the society of tomorrow. Families must maintain open communication and guide children towards positive and responsible use of technology,” she said. Rana also highlighted the importance of mental well-being, saying that emotional health deserves the same attention as physical health.
She urged families, educational institutions and society to create a supportive environment where young people feel heard, understood and encouraged to seek help whenever needed. Paying tributes to Sant Kabir Ji, Rana said his timeless message of truth, equality, humanity and communal harmony continues to inspire generations and is especially relevant in today’s world. A large number of devotees and local residents participated in the celebrations and sought the blessings of Sant Sudarshan Ji Maharaj Ji.