Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 18 Dec: Six hundred students pledged to build a Drug-Free Society at an awareness programme on Drug De-addiction organised at Government Inter College, Balawala, here, today.
Continuing its ongoing campaign against drug abuse in schools across the state, the Human Rights Protection and Anti-Corruption Committee, Sajag India, and the State Mental Health Authority, Uttarakhand, jointly organised an awareness programme on Thursday at Government Inter College, Balawala. During the programme, the Committee’s President, Advocate Lalit Mohan Joshi, interacted directly with the students and made them aware of the harmful effects of drug addiction. Advocate Joshi said that any form of addiction weakens a person both physically and mentally and also becomes a major obstacle in the process of nation-building.
He emphasised that a country whose youth fall into the trap of addiction cannot envision a prosperous and strong future. He warned that certain foreign forces are deliberately trying to entangle Indian youth in the web of drugs to divert them from their goals and weaken the very foundations of the nation. He further stated that terrorism receives its maximum funding from the illegal drug trade, and unknowingly, addicted youth also become contributors to the spread of terrorism. He urged everyone to take a pledge to work towards building a drug-free society. In his address, Advocate Joshi awakened feelings of patriotism and respect for parents among the youth. He remarked, “Even a child sitting among pebbles and stones has the power to change history,” and added that every student studying at Government Inter College, Balawala has the potential to play a significant role in nation-building through their talent and values.
During the programme, students openly shared their views and pledged to stay away from drugs. Several students admitted that they were previously addicted but resolved to quit after the interaction. At the end of the programme, all students were administered an oath to remain free from addiction. Students who actively participated in the interactive session were honoured with certificates of appreciation by the Human Rights Protection and Anti-Corruption Committee and Sajag India. The objective of the programme was to raise awareness among youth against drug abuse and motivate them towards a healthy, strong, and drug-free society.
The programme was attended by the Principal of Government Inter College, Balawala, Sanjay Bijalwan, along with Sanju Rana, Sangeeta Thapa, Avantika Pokhariyal, Shobha Jugran, Meena Negi, Sudha Uniyal, Deepika Pundir, Meenakshi Joshi, Bharti Pundir, other teachers, staff members, and more than 500 students.
