Kathua, September 13:
Today at the District library, Kathua ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyan’ raised awareness to help people understand the ramifications of illegal drug consumption.
Under the aegis of Mr. Sunil Sharma Incharge Distt library Kathua, Mr. Madan Lal Toofan (Retd. IRS); Ms. Appu Singh Salathia (Lawyer) ; Mr. Shashi Sharma (Social Activist) and Mr. Santosh Dhiman (Poet), were invited as the guest speakers for the day to put forth their views on the narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Furthermore, the programme was meticulously organised by Ms. Aakriti Sharma; Ms. Neha Sambyal and Mr. Vivek Mehra who are young and dynamic members of the district library.
In a statement issued to mercury times, Madan Lal Toofan,Retd. IRS shared his service experience and expertise on the illegal substances. Moreover, he helped the audiences to understand the nexus between international drug cartel and the drug mafia of India. Advocate Appu Singh Slathia highlighted the fact that, Cannabis has the legendary story of Lord Shiva attached to it and also finds a mention in the Atharveda. Furthermore, she added that the NDPS Act of 1995 prohibits the sale and use of cannabis resin and flowers; allows the sale and use of cannabis seeds, stems and leaves. She added that according to the Govt. report, despite of stringent Indian laws, there are over 10 crore drug users in India and the number seems to be augmenting day by day.
All the guest speakers emphasised on the power of constructive focus of life; willpower; meditation and positive attitude to overcome the drug menace. A renowned activist of Kathua, Mr. Shashi Sharma asked the students to instill values of Shaheed Bhagat Singh for a better society and concentrate all their energies towards the well-being of Kathua. Lastly, Mr. Santosh Dhiman put forth his impeccable poetic views on drug culture.
Student speaker Ms. Aakriti Sharma vehemently discussed the role of Indian geography; blatant involvement of the government agencies; glamourisation of the social media and lack of sensitization which has led to the sudden increase in the drug culture of India, especially in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, other student speakers Ms. Neha and Mr. Vivek gave a background structure of drugs; the physical, mental and the psychological impacts of the use of illegal substances and the best possible ways of rehabilitating an addict.
The programme was beautifully culminated by a vote of thanks by Mr. Sunil Sharma and an Anti-Drug oath ceremony. In faith, that society along with the civil administration takes more imperative steps to deal with the drug abyss both in Kathua and the country at large.
