UDHAMPUR: To generate awareness among the students and general masses regarding drug abuse, a one day Seminar on the theme "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan" was on Monday organised by National Social Service (NSS) Government College for Women (GCW) Udhampur in collaboration with District Police, here on the college campus.

The programme was initiated with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the dignitaries

Principal of the host college Dr. Monika Sharma, in her welcome address, quoted Mahatma Gandhi's and Nelson Mandela's contribution in making society drugs free. She stressed upon the need of holding such awareness programmes in an institution where girls are being imparted all-round education.

The seminar was held in four sessions. In the first session, SHO Women Cell Udhampur, Inspector Isha Mahajan introduced the working of Women Cell in Udhampur. She also talked about the drug menace especially in the female section of the society. She interacted with the students and made them aware about how Women Police can help them in any type of problem related to drug abuse. Her session ended with answering different queries raised by the students.

The second session of seminar was conducted by Devika Sharma, Drug Counsellor, Police Drug De-Addiction Centre, District Police Lines Udhampur. In her talk, she emphasised on the psychological impacts of drug abuse on the addicts as well as on their families. She also narrated certain case studies conducted in Udhampur district.

The third session was held by Azra Khan, Social Worker, Special Cell for Women sponsored by National Commission for Women. She talked about overall legal rights of women and the type of aid and counselling being provided by Special Cell for Women.

Last session was hosted by Additional Superintendent of Police Udhampur, Anwaar Ul-Haq. In his presentation, he introduced the overall scenario of drug abuse in district Udhampur. He also addressed the volunteers about how to remain alert against drug traffickers and how to approach district Police Udhampur in case they find something suspicious around them or in their localities or institution. He also advised college administration to conduct awareness programmes and certain specialised workshops in order to identify such drug abusers if any in and around the institution.

Two Nukkad Nataks in Hindi and Dogri on the theme Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan were presented by NSS volunteers in between the sessions. The proceedings of the programme were conducted by NSS Volunteer Radhika Sharma. About 200 volunteers were present in the seminar including participants.

The whole Seminar was organised by Dr. Kewal Kumar, Department of Botany, Sumita Rao, NSS PO, Sanjay Kumar, NSS PO, and Yash Kumar, Department of Music. Formal vote of thanks was presented by Sumita Rao, NSS PO.

Among others, teaching faculty Dr. Mool Raj, Tania Akhter, Dr. Meena Gupta, Sumit Sharma, Yash Paul, Ruksana Kouser, Rajinder Singh and Mushtaq Ahmadwere present in the seminar.