Hoshiarpur: Under the "War Against Drugs" campaign launched by the Punjab Government, and in accordance with the directives of the Deputy Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, Mrs. Ashika Jain (IAS), an awareness workshop was organized by the District Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Society, Hoshiarpur, at Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur.
This event was conducted under the leadership of the Deputy Medical Commissioner of Hoshiarpur, Dr. Swati Sheemar, and coordinated by Dr. Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi. On this occasion, Dr. Ishank Kumar Chabbewal, MLA for the Chabbewal constituency, attended as the Chief Guest. Additionally, Dr. Jasleen Kaur (Medical Officer-in-Charge, District Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre), Nisha Rani (Manager), Prashant Adia (Counselor), and Tahreen Basra (Mental Health Fellow) were also present.
During the workshop, Dr. Ishank Kumar Chabbewal inspired the youth to stay away from drugs and to move forward in life through hard work. He stated that protecting the younger generation from drug addiction is a shared responsibility for all of us. He encouraged the youth to spread awareness by becoming "village guardians" and members of Village Drug Committees (VDCs), adding that if we become vigilant starting today, we can once again transform our Punjab into a vibrant and glorious "Rangla Punjab."
Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Swati Sheemar remarked that drug abuse is a serious social and health-related issue, and continuous awareness is crucial for its prevention. She appealed to the youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jasleen Kaur provided detailed information regarding the harmful effects of drug addiction and motivated the youth to steer clear of it. Nisha Rani sensitized the students about the physical, mental, and social adverse effects of drug abuse.
Counselor Prashant Adia informed the audience that treatment for drug addiction in the Hoshiarpur district is provided free of cost by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab. He informed that two de-addiction centers, one de-addiction rehabilitation center, and 16 OOT clinics are currently operational in the district—specifically at the Civil Hospitals in Hoshiarpur and Dasuya—where patients receive treatment.
Tahreen Basra provided detailed information regarding the ongoing activities under the "War Against Drugs" campaign, such as the 'Surma' program, the 'Village Watchguards' program, and awareness initiatives at the grassroots level.
On this occasion, students presented lectures and skits highlighting the adverse effects of drug abuse. Fifty-nine students from the university participated in a poster-making competition. In the competition, Pallavi Devi and Neha Kumari secured the first position; Shivani and Amandeep stood second; while Nitika and Hitanshi secured the third position.
Finally, the winning students were felicitated, and all participants were commended.