Shakir Bhat
Sopore, April 27:
The Drug De-addiction awareness programme-cum-seminar was held at Auditorium Hall of Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura on April 26, 2023. The event was organized by the Block Development Council Sopore in collaboration with Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K. The aim of organizing the event was to create awareness among the youth and general public about the menace of drugs, the dreadful effects of drugs and the steps to be taken to eradicate this threat from the society. The event started with a Bike Rally that was flagged off by Dr. Farida Khan, BDC Chairperson Sopore, for spreading awareness among people against the harmful and fatal effects of the menace of drug abuse. She herself rode the bike with placard ‘Say No To Drugs’. She emphasized the need for people’s involvement and administering pledges against drug abuse in schools and colleges of Kashmir valley regularly. She also stressed that society needs to come forward and take collective responsibility to tackle the problem and to conduct such programmes on a regular basis.
While welcoming the audience, Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth described the drug menace as an epidemic which is spoiling the future of the Nation as a termite and sought the help of the youth to create awareness among all.
Dr. Aakash Yousaf (Psychiatrist) on the occasion threw light on the psycho analytics of drug abuse leading to detrimental effects on the social as well as the personal life of the drug abusers. Ms. Huriya Farooq (Clinical Psychologist) delivered a lecture on recovery alternatives, treatment facilities available in District Baramulla and counseling facilities available at Drug De-addiction Centre, Baramulla. Mr. Altaf Hussain, Incharge Police drug de-addiction Centre said that Police and Anti-Narcotics Task Force have been campaigning against drug trafficking by adopting a zero-tolerance policy and we have to strengthen our resolve to destroy the entire network of drug dealers and drug traffickers. Advocate Asif Khan, Bar Association Sopore, in his address highlighted the legal aspects of drug abuse. Dr. Rayees Ahmad, SDPO Sopore, delivered an impressive power point presentation regarding ill effects of drug abuse and its mitigation. Mr. Umer Farooq, UG scholar of the faculty highlighted the Islamic perspective on drug abuse. A pledge regarding drug abuse was also taken by students and other participants present on the occasion. A mega plantation drive was also organized by the Faculty of Agriculture in collaboration with Social Forestry Department. The guests who were present on the occasion included Dr. Zulfikhar Ali, BMO Sopore, Mr. Abdul Salam, ZEO Sopore, HoD’s of all divisions, scientists, students and non- teaching members of the Faculty. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Ajaz Qureshi.
