Awareness Workshop Held at Rayat

Hoshiarpur/Daljit Ajnoha/Mar.17 : Under Punjab government’s “War Against Drugs” ‘(yudh Nasian Virudh)
campaign, an awareness workshop was organised at Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur, on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Hoshiarpur Ms. Ashika Jain (IAS) by the District Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Society, Hoshiarpur. The programme was led by Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Swati Shemar and coordinated by Dr. Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi. Chabbewal MLA Dr. Ishank Kumar Chabbewal attended as the chief guest, along with Dr. Jasleen Kaur, Medical Officer In-Charge of the District Drug De-addiction Rehabilitation Centre, Nisha Rani, Manager, Prashant Adiya, Counsellor, and Tahren Basra, Mental Health Fellow.Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ishank Kumar urged youth to stay away from drugs and progress through hard work, emphasising that protecting the young generation from addiction is a collective responsibility. He encouraged students to become village guards and VDC members to spread awareness, stating that collective vigilance could restore Punjab’s vibrant glory.Dr. Swati Shemar highlighted drug abuse as a serious social and health issue, stressing the need for continuous awareness and appealing to youth to adopt healthy lifestyles. Dr. Jasleen Kaur detailed the harmful effects of addiction, while Nisha Rani educated students on its physical, mental, and social consequences.Counsellor Prashant Adiya informed that drug treatment is provided free by Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Department, with facilities including two de-addiction centres at Hoshiarpur Civil Hospital and Dasuya, one rehabilitation centre, and 16 OOT clinics. Tahreen Basra outlined campaign activities like Surma programme, village guards initiative, and mass awareness drives. Students presented lectures and skits on drug hazards, and 59 participants took part in a poster-making contest. Pallavi Devi and Neha Kumari secured first place, Shivani and Amandeep second, and Nitika and Hitanshi third; winners were honoured amid appreciation for all.