Srinagar
As drug abuse has become a major problem among youth in Kashmir, a two-day workshop on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation was held at the University of Kashmir on January 13 and 14.
The workshop was organised by the National Service Scheme, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Youth Development and Rehabilitation Centre, Kashmir, and the Department of Psychiatry.
The inaugural session of the workshop was held at the university’s Ibn-i-Khalidoun auditorium. It was presided over by Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Talat Ahmad.
While underscoring the significance of the workshop, the Vice-Chancellor, during his address, said: “Such awareness programmes and workshops are of paramount significance in the present scenario where various studies and reports have revealed drug menace having assumed alarming proportions in our Valley. As a society, we have to fight the menace collectively at various levels.”
“Although the surveys conducted by various NGOs and agencies regarding the percentage of drug menace in the valley show a depressing picture but since our youth are career-oriented and enterprising and have prospered in various competitions both at national and international level, therefore, I am sure those who are caught in this quagmire would be able to come out of it if provided the right kind of guidance and counseling,” Vice-Chancellor said.
Prof Dr Mohammad Maqbool Dar, Head, IMHANS, Kashmir delivered the keynote address on the occasion during which he talked about the easy availability of drugs in the valley and role of law and enforcing agencies in putting a check on the sale and purchase of over the counter drugs.
While delving upon the symptoms, various stages involved during addiction, de-addiction therapies, counselling Prof Dr Dar highlighted the role of parents in helping the youth to defeat this menace which is eating the vitals of our society.
Program Coordinator NSS Dr Musavir Ahmad in his welcome address said that a group 25 participants would be trained during the two-day workshop in the first instance and in future there are plans to introduce drug de-addiction cells in various colleges where trained NSS volunteers would provide awareness and counselling to the youth regarding drug menace.
While quoting a report Dr Musavir said that studies have revealed that youth in the 15-35 age group is the most vulnerable section of the society who have taken to substance abuse.
Dr Muzaffar Ahmad Khan Director YDRC, Kashmir also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the role of YDRC in rehabilitation.
Program Officer NSS KU Wakar Amin conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session while as Program Officer NSS KU Yasir Hamid presented a vote of thanks on the occasion.
