Srinagar, May 22: A Community Awareness & Empowerment Programme organised by Common Interest Conversations was held at Amar Singh Club Srinagar under the theme “Resilient Minds, Drug-Free Future”. The programme witnessed participation from various sections of society including intellectuals, lawyers, educationists, doctors, social activists and representatives from different professional fields.
The programme was held under the chairmanship of Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court of India, Adv. Zaffar A. Shah. Among the prominent personalities present on the occasion were G.N. Var, Veteran Educationist, PSA Chief Patron & NISA Joint Secretary; Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary Amar Singh Club Srinagar; Dr. Marouf Shah, Deputy Director Research, Animal & Sheep Husbandry; Veteran Social Activist Mrs. Tasneem Akhter; Bilal Ahmad Bhat, State President of the Private Schools’ Association J&K (PSAJK); Dr. Shahzada Saleem, Nodal Officer & State Resource Person, Social Welfare (ICDS) Department; G.M. Lone, Chairman Birla Open Minds International School; Showkat Chowdhary, Chairman Chowdhury Group & President UPSCC; Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat (EPM&M); Prof. Dr. Abdul Majid Ganai, Former HoD Community Medicine SKIMS Srinagar; Dr. Shazia Kounser, Assistant Professor Psychiatry, Kashmir Medical College; Ms. Yasmeen Rashid Bhat, Chairman & MD, YAS Group LLC; Adv. Rafia Sailani, Advocate J&K High Court; Dr. Fazl e Roub Consultant Psychiatrist GMC Srinagar; Adv. Bashir Siddique, Senior Lawyer J&K High Court; Prof. Dr. Masooda Rafiq; Madooda Yasmeen, Dr. Lubna Khan, Medical Officer PHC Zadibal and Bazif Hussain Makhdoomi, Youth Activist, among others.
The programme commenced with opening remarks presented by Nasir Hamid Khan, Secretary Amar Singh Club Srinagar, who welcomed the distinguished guests, experts, civil society members and participants to the Community Awareness & Empowerment Programme organised by Common Interest Conversations under the theme “Resilient Minds, Drug-Free Future.”
Nasir Khan highlighted the urgent need for collective social responsibility to safeguard the younger generation from the growing menace of drug abuse. He stated that the objective of organising the programme was to create meaningful awareness, encourage constructive dialogue and bring together experts from different fields to deliberate upon the social, psychological, medical and economic dimensions of substance abuse affecting society today.
Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court of India, Adv. Zaffar A. Shah, said, “I am thankful to Common Interest Conversations and particularly to the organisers for convening this important programme under the theme ‘Resilient Minds, Drug-Free Future’. A few concerned citizens felt that the growing social issues in our society, especially the menace of drugs, required serious public discussion and collective reflection. Today’s gathering has been organised with the sole purpose of bringing together people from different walks of life so that this deeply concerning issue can be discussed from social, medical, economic and generational perspectives.”
He further said, “Personally, I believe that all of you gathered here are experts in your respective fields and the ideas and suggestions shared during this interaction should reach the wider public as well as policymakers and institutions. Our intention is to create awareness within society and encourage people to think seriously about how we can save our youth from falling into this dangerous trap. Governments generally rely on deterrence and punitive measures, believing that strict action alone cannot resolve such problems. However, experience has shown that deterrence by itself is often insufficient. We must instead examine the deeper causes behind why our youth become vulnerable to drug abuse.”
Adv. Zaffar Shah said, “We need to ask ourselves why many young boys and girls, who otherwise appear normal, attend schools, colleges and universities, suddenly become victims of addiction. Is it unemployment, social uncertainty, family instability, emotional stress or negative influences within society? There are many elements in society that deliberately target vulnerable sections of youth and exploit their weaknesses for profit. Earlier, isolated incidents of substance abuse did exist, but they never captured the collective imagination of society the way this present crisis has done during the last few years. Today, almost every household is worried about the future of its children.”
Dr. G.N. Var, Veteran Educationist, PSA Chief Patron & NISA Joint Secretary, said, “First of all, I would like to sincerely appreciate and congratulate Senior Counsel Adv. Zaffar A. Shah and the organisers for taking such an important initiative by organising this meaningful programme on a sensitive and pressing social issue. Discussions like these are the need of the hour because the growing menace of drug abuse is silently affecting our society and particularly our younger generation. I believe every member of society owes gratitude to those individuals who step forward and create platforms where serious intellectual and social discussions can take place for the welfare of society.”
Dr. Var said, “When I entered this gathering and observed the personalities present here, I felt deeply satisfied because experts from almost every important field connected to society and youth were present under one roof. We had eminent personalities from social sciences, psychology, psychiatry, education and administration participating in this programme. In fact, I would say that many of them are among the finest minds and most experienced individuals in their respective fields whose contributions towards society are immense. Such collective wisdom and experience are extremely valuable when society is confronted with challenges like drug addiction, moral decline and growing disconnect among generations.”
He further said, “As an educationist, I strongly believe that the education system also carries a major responsibility in shaping the minds and character of young people. Education should not remain limited only to academic excellence or professional competition. Our institutions must focus equally on character building, emotional resilience, ethical values, mental well-being and social responsibility. If we fail to nurture responsible and emotionally strong individuals, then society will continue to face such crises irrespective of how much technology or economic progress we achieve.”
Veteran Social Activist Mrs. Tasneem Akhter said, “During the early stages of community outreach, we personally visited different areas, interacted with drug-affected families and carried out field-level observations to understand the ground reality. Those experiences revealed how deeply addiction had damaged our homes, relationships and the emotional well-being of children and parents alike. Practical fieldwork helped us realise that statistics and discussions alone cannot capture the human suffering caused by addiction. Real understanding comes only when one directly engages with affected communities.”
Mrs. Akhter said, “A turning point came when we visited a hospital and witnessed rehabilitation efforts being led with commitment and compassion. That experience strengthened our resolve to contribute towards similar initiatives within our own communities. Screening and awareness efforts later revealed an alarming prevalence of substance abuse among those tested, highlighting the urgent need for intervention, counselling and rehabilitation.”
She added, “Over time, the involvement of health officials, civil society, community leaders and government institutions, including the establishment of Drug De-Addiction Centres, helped strengthen the fight against addiction. However, much more remains to be done. Sustainable progress requires continued collaboration between social workers, healthcare professionals, rehabilitation specialists, families and government agencies.”
Dr. Shahzada Saleem, Nodal Officer & State Resource Person, Social Welfare (ICDS) Department, said, “Society cannot survive on formal systems of control alone. While police, courts and institutions play their role, the real strength of a healthy society lies in informal social control built through families, elders, neighbourhoods and community values. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a gradual erosion of these traditional support systems, resulting in weakening social cohesion, emotional disconnect and rising social challenges among both youth and elderly populations.”
Dr. Saleem said, “The disappearance of collective family culture, reduced intergenerational interaction and lack of recreational opportunities have created emotional suffocation and social isolation in many households. Young people today require guidance, creative engagement and social freedom balanced with responsibility. Educational institutions must actively promote storytelling, creative writing, games, cultural participation and counselling-based initiatives to strengthen resilience and prevent antisocial tendencies.”
Bilal Ahmad Bhat, PSA State President, said, “The Community Awareness & Empowerment Programme organised by Common Interest Conversations under the theme ‘Resilient Minds, Drug-Free Future’ is a highly significant and timely initiative because the issue of drug abuse has now become a serious social concern affecting almost every section of society. Many times, the signs are visible at an early stage, but due to lack of awareness, communication and proper guidance, society fails to intervene at the right time.”
Bhat said, “I sincerely appreciate Common Interest Conversations, under the chairmanship of Adv. Zaffar A. Shah, the organisers, experts and all participants for initiating this important dialogue. I hope the valuable discussions and suggestions emerging from today’s programme will contribute towards meaningful awareness and inspire society to work together for creating a healthier, safer and drug-free future for coming generations.”
G.M. Lone, Chairman Birla Open Minds International School Pampore, said, “I strongly feel that the growing concern surrounding drug abuse among youth is not an ordinary issue but a serious social challenge which requires immediate collective attention. As the Chairman of BOMIS, where hundreds of students are studying, this concern naturally affects us deeply because every parent, teacher and institution today worries about the future of children and the kind of environment in which they are growing up.”
He further said, “We often hear people saying that lack of jobs is pushing youth towards drugs and destructive behaviour. I believe the deeper issue is the gradual decline of work culture, discipline and social responsibility. We have thousands of acres of fertile land and enormous opportunities around us, yet many young people are unwilling to engage in productive work or practical professions. Society has increasingly become dependent on shortcuts, unrealistic expectations and artificial lifestyles, and this mindset has contributed towards frustration and hopelessness among the younger generation.”
Prof. Dr. Masooda Rafiq said, “Addiction is not merely a medical issue; it is a deep-rooted social and community challenge that demands collective responsibility and practical grassroots interventions. Today, vulnerable sections of society, particularly youth living in underprivileged areas, are increasingly exposed to highly addictive substances coming from both local and external sources. These substances are destroying not only individual lives but also the social fabric of our communities.”
She added, “At the same time, society must ensure equal attention and opportunities for disabled individuals and other marginalised groups who often remain neglected in social welfare frameworks. Real progress lies in creating an inclusive, stigma-free and compassionate society where every individual feels valued, supported and empowered to live with dignity.”
Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Education Planning, Monitoring and Management (EPM&M), said, “Having served in the education sector for nearly fifteen years in different capacities, particularly in the field of EPM&M, I have closely observed the evolving educational and social challenges confronting our society. Issues like mental health, emotional well-being, behavioural challenges and substance abuse among youth require serious institutional attention and I believe the education department has consistently been making efforts in this direction through policies, curriculum interventions and awareness programmes.”
Dr. Bhat said, “Over the years, various educational frameworks, legal mechanisms and curriculum-based approaches have been developed to address social and behavioural concerns among students. Since the early 1990s, educational institutions and policymakers have incorporated multiple awareness-oriented modules related to social responsibility, parenting, emotional development and behavioural guidance. Today, educational boards and institutions are actively discussing these issues through seminars, workshops and awareness campaigns because society has increasingly realised the urgency of protecting younger generations from harmful influences.”
Ms. Yasmeen Rashid Bhat, Chairman & MD, YAS Group LLC, said, “The issue we are discussing today is not limited only to drug addiction. Substance abuse is deeply connected with emotional instability, mental stress, social isolation, lack of belongingness and weakening human relationships within society. While many discussions continue focusing repeatedly on the causes behind addiction, I strongly believe that society must now move beyond identifying causes alone and begin concentrating on practical, measurable and implementable solutions. Every parent, teacher and young individual should understand the seriousness of the problem. What we truly need now is accountability, action-oriented planning and long-term implementation.”
She further said, “Another area which deserves urgent attention is youth engagement through sports, community activities, cultural programmes and constructive competitions. Sports and community participation should not remain confined only to formal educational settings. Even small local-level initiatives, competitions and social gatherings can positively engage youth, build confidence and reduce emotional isolation. During my international experiences, I have witnessed how community-driven activities create emotional bonding and keep young people away from destructive habits and negative influences.”
Prof. Dr. Abdul Majid Ganai, Former HoD Community Medicine SKIMS Srinagar, said, “During my professional career, including my tenure as Professor and Head in Community Medicine and later through my continued association with healthcare and social organisations, I have always focused on preventive approaches towards public health challenges. In the context of substance abuse, I strongly believe that our primary responsibility is to protect those individuals who are still safe and healthy, especially children and youth, before they enter the dangerous cycle of addiction. Prevention is always more effective, more sustainable and more humane than treatment after damage has already occurred.”
Prof. Ganai said, “In 2010, we conducted a detailed research study in Kashmir regarding substance abuse among college students. The study was carried out over nearly three years across multiple colleges involving approximately 1,300 students. Initially, when students were asked openly about substance use while identifying themselves, the data suggested almost no substance abuse. However, when anonymity was ensured and students were allowed to respond confidentially without revealing their identity, the findings changed drastically. This itself reflected the fear, stigma and social hesitation associated with discussing substance abuse openly within society.”
Dr. Marouf Shah, Deputy Director Research, Animal & Sheep Husbandry said, “The issue of substance abuse cannot be addressed only through administrative or medical interventions; rather, it requires collective moral, educational, religious and community-based responsibility. Every institution within society, including families, schools, mosques, local mohalla-level committees, organisations and public institutions, has an important role to play in protecting our younger generation from falling into destructive paths.”
He further said, “Collective awareness and social cooperation are essential in tackling this challenge. No single institution can solve this issue alone. Families, schools, religious institutions, civil society organisations and government departments must work together in a coordinated and sustained manner. If every section of society fulfils its responsibility sincerely, we can gradually build a healthier, more disciplined and socially responsible future for coming generations.”
Adv. Rafia Sailani, Advocate J&K High Court, said, “Drug addiction is deeply and silently destroying our families, particularly our younger generation, who suffer the consequences within their homes. During my experience in handling drug-related legal cases, I realised that punishment and deterrence alone cannot solve this growing menace. The issue demands compassion, awareness, counselling and strong community participation.”
Adv. Sailani said, “My understanding of the gravity of this crisis deepened after witnessing cases of domestic violence and emotional breakdowns linked directly to substance abuse within local communities. Mental health is deteriorating at an alarming rate due to addiction and many families continue to suffer in silence without guidance or emotional support. In several cases, parents and relatives remain unaware of the extent of addiction until the situation reaches a devastating stage, where household items are stolen or family relationships completely collapse.”
Dr. Shazia Kounser, Assistant Professor Psychiatry, Kashmir Medical College Sempora, said, “Over the past six to seven years of my professional experience in psychiatry, particularly while working closely with women, youth and families from middle-class backgrounds, I have observed that mental health challenges and substance abuse are deeply interconnected with social, emotional, educational and family-related factors. Unfortunately, despite increasing cases of psychological distress and addiction, society still lacks adequate mental health awareness, emotional support systems and early intervention mechanisms.”
She further said, “I strongly believe awareness campaigns must be led by authentic experts, mental health professionals and responsible institutions rather than uncontrolled social media influences or superficial awareness trends. Mental health and substance abuse are highly sensitive issues requiring scientific understanding. One of the most neglected concerns in our society today is nicotine addiction. Tobacco use has unfortunately become socially normalised despite its role as a gateway substance. According to the gateway hypothesis, early exposure to substances like nicotine and alcohol increases vulnerability towards stronger and more dangerous drugs later in life.”
Dr. Fazl e Roub Consultant Psychiatrist GMC Srinagar, said, “The issue of substance abuse, particularly heroin addiction, has evolved into one of the most serious public health and social challenges confronting Kashmir today. Our geographical location unfortunately places the region within a vulnerable transit corridor connected to international narcotics trafficking routes. Over the years, highly coordinated trafficking networks expanded aggressively and, due to delayed recognition and inadequate intervention, the problem gradually transformed into a full-scale crisis affecting thousands of families across Jammu & Kashmir.”
He further said, “What we require is a comprehensive, multi-layered and coordinated prevention and treatment mechanism. The first level of intervention should begin within families, schools and communities where early behavioural changes are identified. At the healthcare level, ASHA workers, Primary Health Centres, district hospitals, Government Medical Colleges and specialised addiction treatment facilities must function as interconnected referral systems rather than isolated units. Severe addiction cases, including women requiring confidential and specialised care, need dedicated rehabilitation and psychiatric support services.”
Showkat Chowdhary, Chairman Chowdhury Group & President UPSCC said, “The issue of drug addiction has emerged as one of the most serious and alarming social challenges confronting our society today. Every section of society wants a safer future for the younger generation. In my opinion, addiction does not suddenly appear in an individual’s life overnight. It begins silently with small behavioural and emotional changes which are often ignored during the early phase. By the time the problem becomes visible to parents or society, the child has already entered a dangerous stage of dependence. Therefore, our greatest responsibility lies in identifying those early warning signs before the situation worsens.”
Chowdhary said, “The first responsibility naturally begins within the family. Parents must remain emotionally connected and observant towards their children’s behaviour, habits and emotional state. One of the earliest signs of trouble is when children begin distancing themselves from family members, avoiding interaction, becoming emotionally withdrawn or developing unusual fear and isolation. Unfortunately, due to modern lifestyles, professional pressures and social distractions, many parents today are unable to devote adequate time and attention to understanding these behavioural changes in their children. This emotional gap allows the problem to grow unnoticed.”
Dr. Lubna Khan, Medical Officer PHC Zadibal, said, “I strongly believe that substance abuse is not merely a medical issue but a deeply rooted social, psychological and family-related crisis which requires a collective and multi-dimensional response. During my professional duties, particularly in OPD consultations and emergency night shifts, I have personally witnessed the growing number of addiction-related cases involving both substance users and drug peddlers. These experiences clearly indicate that the situation has evolved into a serious social epidemic affecting adolescents, young boys and even young girls at an alarming rate.”
Dr. Lubna said, “The ongoing awareness initiatives and campaigns, including the ‘100 Days Nasha Mukht Abhiyan Campaign’, have certainly helped initiate important conversations around addiction and mental health. We have observed some positive impact in terms of increased awareness and public discussion. However, awareness alone is not sufficient unless it is followed by practical intervention, early counselling, community participation and sustained support systems. Addiction is a multi-layered issue and therefore requires coordinated action involving families, healthcare professionals, psychiatrists, counsellors, schools, religious institutions and civil society organisations.”
Adv. Bashir Siddiqui, Senior Lawyer J&K High Court, said, “The recent data relating to NDPS cases and the emerging legal dimensions of substance abuse in Jammu & Kashmir are deeply alarming. During the last two years, we have witnessed an unprecedented increase in cases exclusively related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Earlier, such matters constituted only a limited portion of legal proceedings, but today a substantial segment of criminal litigation revolves around NDPS-related offences, reflecting the seriousness and rapid expansion of the crisis within society.”
Adv. Siddiqui said, “Under the NDPS framework, there are different legal categories relating to commercial quantity, intermediate quantity and small quantity offences, each carrying separate legal implications regarding bail, punishment and trial procedures. The law is stringent because narcotic offences have devastating consequences for society. At the same time, the Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasised that no innocent individual should be falsely implicated and no guilty person should escape accountability. Therefore, proper investigation, procedural fairness and trained handling of evidence become critically important.”
Madooda Yasmeen Senior Citizen said that the growing culture of materialism, unhealthy competition and blind pursuit of wealth has deeply affected society and contributed towards frustration among the youth. She observed that when every profession is being treated merely as a business and society glorifies luxurious lifestyles without questioning the source of wealth, young people begin to lose moral direction and emotional balance.
She further said that increasing mental stress, societal pressure and lack of opportunities are pushing many young people towards depression and substance abuse. She called upon society, parents, educators and policymakers to work together in rebuilding a responsible and supportive social structure capable of protecting future generations from addiction and hopelessness.
Bazif Hussain Makhdoomi, Youth Activist, said, “Building a healthy and educated society begins with the upbringing of our children from a very early age. Moral values, the understanding of right and wrong, discipline and awareness about social evils must be introduced during childhood rather than waiting until adolescence when harmful influences may have already taken root, This challenge requires timely action, coordinated efforts and strict implementation of laws to ensure that those involved in drug trafficking are held accountable. Simultaneously, society must focus on prevention, awareness and constructive youth engagement so that young people are guided towards education, creativity, sports and positive community participation.”
In the concluding vote of thanks, gratitude was expressed to all speakers, participants and organisers for contributing towards the success of the programme and for supporting collective efforts aimed at protecting youth and strengthening societal awareness against drug abuse.
