BANDIPORA, MARCH 18: As part of the ongoing activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), District Administration Bandipora in collaboration with Government Degree College Sumbal organised an awareness programme titled “Substance Use: Psychological and Legal Perspectives” today, to sensitise students about the growing menace of substance abuse and the importance of adopting a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Principal Prof. (Dr.) Shabeena Iqbal Shawl, who, in her address, emphasised the urgent need to educate adolescents about the harmful effects of substance use. She highlighted that addiction severely impacts both health and motivation, making recovery difficult, and stressed the importance of counselling, dialogue and support instead of stigmatization.
During the programme, video presentations showcasing various awareness activities conducted by the college under NMBA were displayed, reflecting the institution’s continued commitment towards building a drug-free society.
Students from different institutions actively participated by delivering insightful speeches and sharing their perspectives on substance abuse, contributing to an engaging and thought-provoking session.
On the occasion, an expert lecture was delivered by Dr. Showkat Shafi, Clinical Psychologist, District Hospital Bandipora, who elaborated on the psychological and physiological consequences of substance use and discussed effective counselling strategies and intervention mechanisms for addressing substance dependence among youth.
On the occasion, Faculty member from Government Higher Secondary School Sumbal, also spoke on the significance of nationwide awareness programmes and underscored the collective responsibility of society in combating drug abuse.
During the event, Certificates were awarded to participating students in recognition of their active involvement. A pledge was also administered, wherein participants reaffirmed their commitment to contributing towards a drug-free and healthy society.
