District Kathua observes International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking with series of awareness activities
Jun 26, 2025
KATHUA: To mark the observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a series of awareness programmes were today held across District Kathua under the aegis of District Administration.
The main district-level programme was organised by the District Social Welfare Office in the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex, on this year's theme "Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All."
The event witnessed active participation of college students, field workers, social activists, and members of various departments including One Stop Centre and Mahila Shakti Kendra.
Kusum Salaria from Women Era Development Organisation recited a heartfelt poem depicting the harsh realities of a drug addict's life. Dr. Rekha Sharma delivered an insightful PowerPoint presentation on substance misuse disorders and their impact on mental and physical health.
Representatives from Yuva Shakti Sangathan, Arpan and Mukesh, shared their real-life experiences in rehabilitating drug victims and highlighted the challenges encountered in the process.
Speaking on the occasion, District Social Welfare Officer Varun Choudhary underlined the growing threat of drug abuse and stressed the importance of creating awareness, especially among the youth. He said that youth are the future of the nation and keeping them away from the menace of drugs is a shared societal responsibility.
The programme concluded with the administration of a pledge to all participants to "Say No to Drugs" and spread the message of healthy and addiction-free living. NGOs and artists of the Nukkad Natak performed on June 24 were also felicitated on the occasion.
Meanwhile, educational institutions across the district also held special events to observe the day.
At Government Degree College Mahanpur, the NSS Unit organised an Essay Writing Competition on the topic ‘Drug Abuse', wherein students expressed their views on the ill effects of substance abuse. The event was held under the supervision of Dr. Sapna Devi and the overall guidance of Principal Dr. Sangeeta Sudan. Students from Semester 5 including Monika Sharma, Priti Sumbria, Amisha Rani, Susham, Meena, and Shivani participated in the competition with zeal and commitment.
Faculty members including Dr. Mohinder Nath Sharma, Dr. Rupalee Jasrotia, Prof. Binti Sharma, Nisha Kumari and others also attended the event and appreciated the efforts of the students.
At Government Degree College Marheen, an awareness programme was organised by the Department of Physical Education under the banner of Operation SANJIVANI. The three-day event included a Signature Campaign from June 24 to 26 and a pledge ceremony led by Principal Prof. (Dr.) Anupama Gupta.
