DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
Nagrota , June 19
Under the aegis of NCC Directorate of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh and in line with the directions of DG NCC to highlight the perils of Drug Abuse which is affecting our society in general and the youth of the nation in particular, an impactful awareness lecture on drug abuse was conducted by the Lt (Dr) Rachna Sharma of 2 J&K Girls Battalion in collaboration with the J&K Society for Promotion of Youth & Masses (JKSPYM), Integrated Rehabilitation Drug De-Addiction Centre, named ‘Mashwara,’ at NTA Nagrota. The main objective of the event was to educate and empower the young cadets of the CATC-J1 about the perils of drug abuse and the pivotal role they can play in the Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign. 06 ANOs and 84 NCC cadets from all over the country who were present in NTA Nagrota also participated in the event.
Lt (Dr) Rachna Sharma started the session with a compelling discourse on the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals and society. She underscored the alarming rise of substance abuse among the youth and emphasized the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures. Her insightful presentation captivated the cadets, fostering a profound understanding of the issue and igniting a sense of responsibility within them.
The collaborative effort with the team from ‘Mashwara’ centre under the guidance of Ms Rudrakshri Raina, Project Coordinator added a layer of depth to the session. Representatives from JKSPYM provided an enlightening overview of their comprehensive rehabilitation and de-addiction programs. They shared real-life success stories, highlighting the transformative power of rehabilitation and the possibility of reclaiming lives from the clutches of addiction. The cadets were particularly moved by these narratives, which illustrated the harsh realities of drug abuse and the hopeful path to recovery. A short movie on the topic highlighting all the perils was showcased which put the topic into perspective in a graphical visual manner.
Lt (Dr) Rachna Sharma highlighted the vulnerabilities that make individuals, especially youth, susceptible to drug abuse. She identified peer pressure, stress, and lack of awareness as significant factors contributing to this menace. With a blend of empathy and authority, she offered practical strategies to resist these pressures, urging the cadets to adopt a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Her message was clear: the youth are not only the future but also the present champions of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign.
The lecture also featured an interactive session, where cadets were quizzed on their assimilation of the topic, engaged in meaningful discussions, role play, voicing their concerns and sought advice. Dr. Sharma and the ‘Mashwara’ team addressed their queries with patience and clarity, reinforcing the importance of making informed choices. The cadets were encouraged to be vigilant, to look out for signs of drug abuse in their peers, and to act as ambassadors of change in their communities.
This collaboration exemplifies the resolve of NCC in tackling societal issues. The success of this awareness lecture serves as a testament to the impact of education and community involvement in combating drug abuse. The awareness lecture at NTA Nagrota was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the cadets. It fostered a deeper understanding of the menace of drug abuse and encouraged the cadets to take charge in creating a safer, drug-free society. As torchbearers of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign, these young cadets are now equipped with the knowledge and resolve to drive the mission forward, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all. The presence of NCC cadets from different states will ensure that the drive against Drug Abuse will spread all over the country.
