Central University of Punjab and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, GoI organised National Seminar on “Nasha Mukt Samaj Andolan Abhiyan Kaushal Ka: Socio-Legal, Psychological and other ways for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Addiction in India”

Bathinda: The Central University of Punjab, Bathinda’s National Service Scheme, in association with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, organized a National Seminar on “Nasha Mukt Samaj Andolan Abhiyan Kaushal Ka: Socio-Legal, Psychological, and other ways for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Addiction in India” on Friday. Distinguished personalities, including policymakers, bureaucrats, academicians, and social workers, participated in this National Seminar to strengthen the voice of “Say No to Drugs” in our society.

Shri Kaushal Kishore, Hon’ble Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the Programme. Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member of Parliament, Bathinda Lok Sabha Constituency, and Prof. D.K. Singh, Director, AIIMS Bathinda, participated in this programme as the Guests of Honour. Dr. Bholeshwar Prasad Mishra, Professor from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, Sh. Akshat Kant, National Convener, Sh. Showkat Ahmad Parray, IAS, Deputy Commissioner & District Magistrate, Bathinda and Shri Elanchezhian, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bathinda were the special guests of this Seminar.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Vice Chancellor, Central University of Punjab. He expressed his gratitude towards the Hon’ble Minister for initiating a campaign under the title “Nasha Mukt Samaj Andolan-Abhiyaan Kaushal Ka” and providing the necessary support to host this programme to save the youth from the menace of drugs. He motivated youngsters to enjoy addiction to good habits and stay away from drug abuse.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore, appreciated the launch of a legal aid clinic at the university campus on this occasion to provide legal literacy and free legal aid to the local community. He spread awareness about the evil effects of Alcohol and Drug Addiction among Youth. He said that drug abuse is a social evil that not only takes the lives of thousands of people every year but also leads to an increase in crime in our society. “Banning liquor is not the solution as it encourages the use of other illicit intoxicating substances and the production of poisonous alcohol,” said Shri Kaushal.

Shri Ksuahal Kishore got emotional while sharing a personal tragedy and said: “I lost my own son, named Akash Kishore, because of drug addiction in October 2020.” Feeling helpless to save his son despite providing the best medical treatment, he  resolved to launch the mission of eradicating drug abuse from the country. Shri Kaushal suggested the authorities demarcate the university as a drug free campus with banners and hoardings to remind students to stay away from drug abuse. He concluded his address by administering a pledge to everyone to say no to drugs, spread awareness about drug abuse in society and encouraged everyone to work towards the eradication of drugs from our society and make Nasha Mukt Bharat.

On this occasion, CUPB students presented a laghu natika, “An Awareness Show on Addiction.”

Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member of Parliament, Bathinda Lok Sabha Constituency, appreciated the performance of CUPB students. She mentioned that if youngsters make a promise not to use drugs, India will undoubtedly become a drug-free and self-sufficient nation. She appealed to support the campaign to make Bathinda, Punjab and the country free of drugs.

Prof. D.K. Singh, Director, AIIMS Bathinda, stated that substance abuse is not just destroying the individuals abusing such drugs, but also creating a shortage of important medicines for patients who are in dire need of pain management. He added that the problem of substance abuse in society can be prevented by understanding how substance abuse develops, avoiding temptation and peer pressure, seeking help for mental illness, and keeping a well balanced life. He asserted that substance addiction is a complex but treatable disease and addiction treatment helps a person to stop using drugs, stay drug-free and be productive in family, at work and in society.

Dr. Bholeshwar Prasad Mishra from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, focused on the nature, extent, types, causes, impact, psychosocial management of drug addicts and characteristics of drug users. He said that addiction is a mental disease that affects all aspects of a drug addict’s life. He discussed various factors, such as anxiety, stress, peer pressure, inability to connect with others, etc. that contribute towards indulging youngsters in substance addiction. He said that a person who keeps himself mentally and physically fit through exercise and a healthy diet routine is less prone to falling into drug abuse.

While presenting the programme report, Dr. Vipan Pal Singh informed that during the National Seminar, around 150 research papers were presented by research scholars from 12 states.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. B.P. Garg, Controller of Examination and Registrar In-charge, exhorted that the deliberations by distinguished speakers and researchers held during this programme would be helpful in finding a solution to the problem of alcohol and drug addiction. Towards the end, Prof. B.P. Garg  thanked the distinguished guests for their gracious presence and the participants for making this programme a success. Faculty, non-teaching staff, students and residents of village Ghudda participated in this programme.