FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Sep 22: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir, has intensified its efforts to spread awareness about the Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign), placing special focus on reaching students and young people across the Union Territory.
Joint Director Information, Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq Chisti, said that the department has been using art and culture as powerful tools to counter the growing menace of substance abuse. “Art has a healing effect, and we have been blending it with awareness campaigns to reach out to the youth, especially students. The goal is to channel their energy towards positivity and build a drug-free society,” he remarked.
Highlighting the department’s ongoing work, Dr. Chisti noted that awareness drives have already been carried out in multiple districts and assured that similar activities will continue in the months ahead. “Our outreach is part of a sustained effort to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle at the grassroots level,” he added.
The initiatives are also linked to the ongoing Sewa Parv campaign, which began on September 17 and will conclude on October 2. Under this campaign, the DIPR has been organizing grievance redressal camps, along with cultural and artistic programmes, to engage communities in constructive ways.
Officials explained that the awareness campaign is designed not only to spread information about the dangers of drug abuse but also to actively involve schools, colleges, and community groups in preventive and creative activities. For effective implementation, the DIPR has been closely coordinating with district administrations to ensure wide participation.
The Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan, launched at the national level, seeks to combat drug addiction through awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation. Jammu and Kashmir has been identified as a priority region under the initiative due to the challenges posed by substance abuse in several districts.
Locals who recently took part in district-level programmes welcomed the use of art and cultural activities in spreading the message, saying it makes the campaign more engaging and relatable. They also urged the authorities to hold such initiatives regularly to safeguard the younger generation from the dangers of drugs.
