Government Degree College (GDC) Ganderbal, through its College Wellness & Anti-Substance Abuse Cell in collaboration with the NSS Unit, organised an Awareness and Sensitisation Programme on “Substance Abuse Prevention and Youth Well-being” under the 100-Day Intensified Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign on Saturday.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) under the coordination of Dr Ulfat Jan, Head, Department of Psychology and Nodal Officer for the College Wellness & Anti-Substance Abuse Cell.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr Shabana Aslam, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany and Member of the College Wellness & Anti-Substance Abuse Cell. She highlighted the importance of collective efforts in creating awareness among young people to prevent substance abuse and promote healthy lifestyles.
Principal Prof Fouzia Fatima, in her special address, urged students to remain focused on their academic and personal goals and to adopt positive alternatives to counter the growing menace of drug abuse. She advised them to stay vigilant against negative influences and actively participate in sports, cultural, literary, and other co-curricular activities for their holistic development. Dr Javeed Ahmad, Sociologist, Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, expressed his gratitude to the Principal for her wholehearted cooperation and support in organising the event. He appreciated the college administration for partnering with SKIMS in this important initiative.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Shamila Hamid, Additional Professor, Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, discussed the causes, risk factors, and far-reaching physical, psychological, and social consequences of substance abuse. She emphasised that awareness, timely intervention, and informed decision-making are essential in preventing addiction and safeguarding the future of young people. The second technical session was delivered by Dr. Rasikha Khan, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, who shared real-life case studies illustrating the devastating effects of substance abuse. She highlighted the importance of early identification, counselling, and treatment while stressing the vital role of families, educational institutions, and society in supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals recovering from addiction.
As part of the programme, Dr Lamshuwa Mawlong, Postgraduate Scholar, Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Pledge, which was solemnly taken by Principal Prof. Fouzia Fatima, faculty members, and students.
The proceedings of the programme were moderated by Dr Shaista Qadiri, Department of English, while the formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr Nusrat Jan, Head, Department of Kashmiri. The programme was attended by Dr. Jamsheeda Akhter, NSS Programme Coordinator, along with members of the College Wellness & Anti-Substance Abuse Cell, faculty members, and a large gathering of students.
