JAMMU: Scientists, research scholars and staff members of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, on Thursday took a pledge against substance abuse during a special programme organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), marking six years of the nationwide campaign.
Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu and CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, administered the pledge to staff members, PhD scholars, students and other participants, urging them to contribute towards building a drug-free society and spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Ahmed described drug abuse as a serious concern, particularly among young people, and stressed the need for collective efforts involving families, educational institutions and society to tackle the menace.
He emphasised that awareness and prevention were equally important in addressing substance abuse, adding that scientific institutions had a responsibility to educate and guide younger generations.
“Young people are the strength and future of our country. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that they remain away from drugs and are encouraged to pursue education, research, sports and other meaningful activities,” Dr Ahmed said.
He urged scientists, researchers and staff members to take the campaign’s message beyond the institute and encourage their families, friends and communities to participate in the movement. He also highlighted the importance of healthy lifestyles, physical activity and a positive environment in preventing substance abuse.
During the programme, awareness videos highlighting the physical, mental and social consequences of drug abuse were screened to reinforce the importance of prevention and informed choices.
Sports activities were also organised on the institute campus to promote physical fitness, teamwork and healthy competition among participants.
The programme formed part of the nationwide mobilisation marking six years of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The campaign aims to reach more than 10 crore people through awareness programmes, pledge drives, youth engagement, sports activities and community outreach.
Government institutions, including CSIR laboratories and research organisations across the country, have been encouraged to involve scientists, researchers and employees in spreading awareness about substance abuse and promoting the message of a drug-free India.
