BANDIPORA: As part of the ongoing 100-Day J&K Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) Bandipora (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India) in collaboration with District Administration Bandipora today organized a District-Level Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Programme at Govt High School Mukdamyari, Hajin, aimed at strengthening awareness among students and educators regarding the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of early intervention.

The programme witnessed the participation of students from Classes 8th to 10th and members of the teaching and non teaching faculty. Project Coordinator, DDAC Bandipora, served as the Resource Person for the awareness session and delivered an informative lecture on the theme ā€œNasha Se Azadi – Choice Aapki, Zindagi Aapki.ā€

During his address, the Project Coordinator introduced the innovative ā€œSHARE Codeā€ to help students, teachers and parents identify early warning signs of substance abuse. He explained that S stands for Sleep Disturbance, H for Poor Hygiene, A for Anger/Irritability, R for Result Decline in Academics, and E for Evasive Eyes/Behaviour can often indicate the onset of drug dependence. He further clarified the distinction between observable signs noticed by others and symptoms experienced by the affected individual, emphasizing that addiction is a medical condition requiring treatment and support rather than stigma or judgment.

Highlighting the critical role of teachers and parents in prevention, he described them as the ā€œfirst line of defenceā€ against substance abuse. He urged teachers to remain vigilant regarding absenteeism, sudden behavioural changes and declining academic performance, while encouraging parents to maintain open communication with their children and be alert to signs such as secrecy, unexplained demands for money and social withdrawal.

ā€œDon’t judge, don’t delay—report early to save a life,ā€ he remarked while stressing the importance of timely intervention. The session also provided detailed information about the services available at DDAC Bandipora, located in the Old District Hospital Bandipora. Participants were informed that the Centre offers free and confidential treatment services, including Outpatient (OPD) and Inpatient (IPD) care, medical detoxification, psychological counselling, rehabilitation and follow-up support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

The DDAC Supervisor also shared the Centre's 24Ɨ7 Helpline Number: 9596022376, assuring participants that all services are provided free of cost and that patient confidentiality is strictly maintained. The programme concluded with a collective anti-drug pledge by students, teachers and resource persons, reaffirming their commitment not to consume drugs, not to encourage others to use drugs, and to work collectively towards making Bandipora a drug-free district.

The school administration appreciated the efforts of DDAC Bandipora and observed that such awareness initiatives play a vital role in creating a protective and informed environment for young people and the wider community. IEC material carrying key awareness messages and helpline information was also distributed among participants.

The programme forms part of DDAC Bandipora's sustained outreach efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, aimed at building a healthier, safer and drug-free society through awareness, prevention, treatment and community participation.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡