Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau urges students to stay away from drugs and channel their energy into education, sports and constructive activities
PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
— As part of the statewide awareness campaign being conducted by the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau with the objective of making Haryana drug-free, an anti-drug awareness programme was organised at Aakash Institute in Yamunanagar on Saturday. The programme focused on educating students about the harmful physical, mental and social consequences of drug abuse and encouraging them to adopt a healthy and positive lifestyle.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Bureau chief and Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar, IPS. Officials of the Yamunanagar unit of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau interacted with students and highlighted the dangers associated with substance abuse, particularly its impact on young people and their families.
Inspector Mehroof Ali, in-charge of the Yamunanagar unit, and Assistant Sub-Inspector Phool Kumar represented the Bureau during the awareness programme. Aakash Institute Branch Manager Inderjit was also present.
Addressing the students, Inspector Mehroof Ali said drug abuse does not affect only the individual who consumes a substance but also has far-reaching consequences for families and society. He described addiction as a serious social evil that gradually weakens the social fabric and urged students to stay completely away from drugs.
Ali said young people represent one of the country’s greatest strengths and their energy should be channelled towards productive and constructive pursuits. He encouraged students to give priority to education, sports, skill development and other positive activities that can contribute to their personal growth and future careers.
He said maintaining distance from drugs and remaining connected with education can provide a strong foundation for a secure and successful future. Students, he added, should remain alert to negative influences and avoid situations or associations that could expose them to substance abuse.
The officer also emphasised that awareness and prevention are important components of the fight against drug abuse. Students can play a meaningful role by understanding the risks associated with narcotics and by encouraging friends and family members to remain vigilant.
The awareness session also focused on the wider consequences of addiction. Drug abuse can affect physical health, mental well-being, academic performance, family relationships and an individual’s ability to participate positively in society. The Bureau officials encouraged students to recognise these risks and make informed decisions about their lives.
Students were also encouraged to understand that seeking a healthy and disciplined lifestyle can help them remain focused on their academic and personal goals. Participation in sports, educational activities, skill development programmes and creative pursuits was highlighted as a positive way of using youthful energy.
During the programme, students were motivated not only to keep themselves away from drugs but also to spread awareness among their families and members of the wider community. They were encouraged to become responsible participants in the campaign against substance abuse by sharing accurate information and promoting healthy choices.
At the conclusion of the programme, the students took a pledge to remain away from drugs, spread awareness about the harmful consequences of substance abuse and contribute towards building a drug-free society. The pledge underlined the importance of collective participation in tackling the problem.
The Bureau officials said young people can become an important force in preventing drug abuse because they can influence their peers and help create a positive environment within educational institutions and communities. Awareness programmes in schools and coaching institutions can therefore help students understand the consequences of substance abuse before they are exposed to such risks.
The programme also highlighted the importance of reporting illegal drug-related activities. Assistant Sub-Inspector Phool Kumar appealed to members of the public to immediately inform the appropriate agencies if they become aware of the sale, trafficking or any other illegal activity involving narcotic substances in their surroundings.
He said information regarding narcotics-related activities can be provided through the National Narcotics Helpline 1933, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau helpline 90508-91508, or the NCB MANAS portal. He urged citizens not to ignore suspicious activities and to provide timely information to the authorities through the designated channels.
Kumar said the identity of people providing information about drug-related activities is kept confidential. This confidentiality, he said, is intended to encourage members of the public to come forward without fear and assist law-enforcement agencies in combating the illegal narcotics trade.
The Bureau’s campaign places emphasis on both awareness and public participation. While enforcement agencies continue efforts against illegal drug trafficking and supply networks, community cooperation can help authorities receive timely information about suspicious activities.
The officials also encouraged students to discuss the issue of drug abuse openly with their parents, teachers and trusted adults if they encounter pressure or situations involving narcotics. Early awareness and appropriate guidance, they said, can help young people make safer choices.
The programme at Aakash Institute was part of the broader effort to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse across Haryana. The interaction with students focused on prevention, responsible behaviour and the importance of building a healthy lifestyle.
The message delivered during the programme was that the fight against drugs requires participation from all sections of society. Educational institutions, families, students, community organisations, law-enforcement agencies and citizens all have a role to play in creating an environment in which young people can grow without the influence of substance abuse.
The Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau has been conducting awareness initiatives to encourage people to recognise the dangers of narcotics and contribute to efforts aimed at preventing their spread. Such programmes also seek to strengthen public awareness about available channels for reporting illegal drug activities.
The programme concluded with students reaffirming their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle and expressing their willingness to support awareness efforts. The Bureau officials urged them to focus on education, personal development and constructive activities and to become ambassadors of a healthy and responsible way of life.
The participation of students and institute representatives reflected the importance of educational institutions in spreading awareness against substance abuse. The event conveyed a clear message that preventing drug addiction requires sustained awareness, informed choices and collective action from society.
POD/DESK
