Week Long Drug De-Addiction Campaign begins at GDC Udhampur

 

UDHAMPUR : A Week Long Drug De-addiction campaign was kick started today in Government Degree College (Boys) Udhampur with the aim to make the students aware about the dangers of drug abuse.

The campaign is being organized by the Department of Psychology and the Center for Counselling and Mental Health Intervention Services Under the Aegis of Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the College to mark the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsa.

During the week-long campaign different types of activities would be held to educate the students about reasons why youth fall prey to this grave problem, and the various remedies and treatments available to patients to reestablish them as active members of the society.

In his message to the students, the Principal of the College and Patron Dr. Romesh Kumar Gupta said that youth are at a very important juncture in their lives, and it is important for them to invest their attention and energy in the right direction. He advised the students to not only give adequate time to their academics, but also participate in the sports for all round development of body and mind, and to ward off dangerous addictions. He lauded the organizing team for their efforts and said that such programmes are a necessary part of the curriculum to spread awareness among students and youth.

Dr. Manisha Sarup Kohli, Head, Department of Psychology and Coordinator, Center for Counselling and Mental Health Intervention Services, as convener of the workshop while welcoming and addressing the gathering said that the framework of the workshop was conceptualized and designed to educate students and youth about drug addiction, and how to escape falling into its clutches. Dr. Kohli stressed that awareness is the most powerful weapon against this deadly affliction, and awareness of youth, community and society against this malady will not only help removing drug abuse from its roots, but also come to the aid of those who are already addicted, by proving them information regarding available treatments, therapies and medications.

The workshop began a day before with a group discussion in which faculty members and over a hundred students participated. Various issues related to drug addiction, drug abuse and its treatment were discussed.

Prof. Babu Lal Thakur presided over the function, whereas Dr. Manisha Sarup Kohli, Dr. Samta Sharma, Dr. Archana Gupta, Prof. Reena Bhagat were members of the organizing committee.

Among faculty members present on the occasion were Dr. Pallavi Bhagat, Prof. Sonia Raj, Dr. Richa Sharma, Prof. Ayushi Grover and others.

On the second day a symposium was held, in which thirty students participated and presented their views on drug de-addiction.

Around 150 students and faculty members attended the programme. After the symposium an interactive session was held in which doubts of the student were cleared and a healthy discussion on youth mental health was ensued.

Prof. Gurvinder Verma, Convener, Internal Quality Assurance Cell presided over the function, while Prof. BL Thakur, Dr. Manisha Sarup Kohli, Dr. Archana Gupta, Dr.Ravinder Kumar, Prof. Pradeep Singh, Prof. Sonia Raj, Dr. Anita Kumari, Dr. Richa Sharma, Dr. Jasmeet Kaur, Prof. Ayushi Grover and others were also present on the occasion.

Dr. Manisha Sarup Kohli was the convener of the workshop, whereas Dr. Samta Sharma, Dr. Archana Gupta, Prof. Reena Bhagat and Prof. Ayushi Grover were part of the Organizing Team. Student members of the organizing committee included Prerna, Mohit Verma, Ritik Anand and Mrityunjay.

The programme will continue with Ribbon Day Celebration and a Lecture on 25-05-2022, Signature Campaign and Awareness Community Outreach against Drug Abuse on 26-05-2022, Slogan Writing Competition on 27-05-2022 and culminating with Awareness Rally on 28-05-2022.