Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Aug 03 : A seminar addressing critical issues of drug de-addiction, mobile addiction and water conservation was held at Town Hall Kulgam on Saturday, with speakers calling for community action and awareness.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the seminar was hosted by the NGO “We the Kashmir Foundation” in collaboration with the Disabled People’s Organization Kulgam. Prominent attendees included Tehsildar Kulgam Bilal Ahmad, noted writer Dr Tanveer Hayat, Sheikh Firdous Ali, Chairman of Rehmatan Lil Aalmeen Foundation, Sajad Ahmad, Secretary of Smile Foundation, Masarat Jan, Chairperson of Smile Foundation, Dr Mohammad Hussain Bhat and various social activists.
In his address, Tehsildar Kulgam Bilal Ahmad commended the participants for their active engagement and called for the urgent need to shield the young generation from the perils of drug abuse, which poses a significant threat to society.
He highlighted the importance of raising awareness through multiple channels and called on different societal sectors to take robust action against the issue. He assured that the administration would take every possible step to tackle this menace.
Dr Tanveer Hayat said that parents play a crucial role as friends, philosophers and guides for their children. He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s activities, especially those involving mobile phones and the internet, to prevent them from engaging in harmful behaviours.
Mufti Mubarak Ahmad appealed to local preachers and teachers to join forces to eradicate drug addiction from society. “The lack of parental care and affection is a primary reason driving youth towards drug addiction,” he said.
Sajad Ahmad said the role of parents is crucial in the social development of children. “They (parents) serve as the first teachers and guides,” he said.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of the police department’s role and advocated for stringent actions against drug peddlers. They said that life is precious and must be lived with gratitude.
The speakers also discussed the adverse effects of mobile addiction and the significance of saving water by avoiding waste disposal in water bodies and littering on the banks. They encouraged parents to be vigilant and educate their children about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Organisers, including President Jahangeer Ahmad, Vice President Farhat Riyaz and other members like Dr Mohammad Hussain Bhat, said the seminar aimed to raise awareness among youth and the general public about the dangers of drugs, the severe consequences of drug abuse, and steps to eradicate this menace.
They said the drug problem is an epidemic devastating the future of J&K like a termite and called on the youth to help spread awareness. They advised that mobile phones should be used positively and only for limited periods to minimize their harmful impacts.
The organisers also urged the people to keep neighbourhoods clean, avoid littering water bodies and ensure water conservation for future generations—(KNO)
