Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, June, 26
In a significant initiative to strengthen the fight against drug abuse, the Sub-Divisional Administration, R.S. Pura, on Friday organised a Mega Anti-Drug Awareness Rally under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, youth, government officials, civil society organisations and local residents, reflecting the growing public resolve to eradicate the menace of drugs from society.
The rally was organised under the leadership of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) R.S. Pura, Smt. Anuradha Thakur.
It was formally flagged off at 10:00 a.m. from Flyover Ring Road Chowk, Miran Sahib by Prof. Gharu Ram, MLA Suchetgarh, and Dr. Rajeev Bhagat, MLA Bishnah.Carrying banners and placards with anti-drug messages and raising slogans such as “Say No to Drugs, Choose Life,” the participants marched through Miran Sahib Bazaar and Marallian Chowk before the rally culminated at Dak Bungalow, Marallian.
The rally drew participation from hundreds of people, including students and teachers from educational institutions, members of youth clubs, volunteers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives, government employees and members of the general public.
The overwhelming response highlighted the community’s commitment to spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug addiction and encouraging a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Following the rally, a Public Awareness Camp was organised at Dak Bungalow, Marallian.
The camp featured informative awareness sessions by experts, information and education stalls, a pledge ceremony reaffirming the participants’ commitment to combating drug abuse, and the distribution of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material to educate the public about the social, psychological and health-related consequences of substance abuse.
Addressing the gathering, SDM R.S. Pura, Smt. Anuradha Thakur, stressed that drug addiction has emerged as a serious social challenge that requires the active involvement of every section of society. She urged parents, teachers, community leaders, youth organisations and citizens to work together in creating awareness and guiding young people towards positive and productive pursuits.
She emphasized that awareness, early intervention and community participation are the strongest weapons against drug abuse and appealed to everyone to contribute towards making R.S. Pura a drug-free subdivision.
She also encouraged people to support the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by remaining vigilant and promoting a culture of health, responsibility and social harmony.The programme concluded with a collective pledge by participants to remain committed to the cause of eliminating drug abuse and to actively support initiatives aimed at safeguarding the future of the younger generation.
