JAMMU: An awareness programme on “Healthy Youth, Prosperous Nation” under the theme Ek Sankalp – Nasha Mukt Bharat was organised today by Science Club, Utsaah, jointly with the Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Department of Science and Technology, UT of J&K.
The programme was organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, a flagship campaign aimed at creating awareness among youth and society regarding the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting collective efforts towards a drug-free India.
Smt. Shruti Khanna, Assistant Director, JKSTIC, who was the special guest on the occasion, appreciated the efforts of the organisers and encouraged the conduct of more such awareness programmes to strengthen the mission of a Nasha Mukt Nation.
The expert guest speaker, Shri Manoj Sauguna, Superintendent, NCB Jammu Zonal Unit, Narcotics Control Bureau, sensitised the audience about the increasing menace of drug addiction and its impact across India and Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the strategies being adopted by the government to combat substance abuse and informed the participants about de-addiction support services, including helpline numbers 14446 and 1933.
Prof. Meena Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Science and Chairperson, Utsaah, University of Jammu, extended her wholehearted support to the initiative. Earlier, Prof. Seema Langer, Head, Department of Zoology, delivered the welcome address and spoke about the growing challenge of substance abuse in society. She urged students and participants to contribute towards spreading awareness and work collectively for a better tomorrow.
During the valedictory session, winners of the slogan competition were awarded and certificates were distributed among the participants. The programme was conducted by Dr. Chinmoyee Maharana, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Coordinator, Science Club, Utsaah, University of Jammu, who also presented the vote of thanks. She expressed gratitude to JKSTIC for sponsoring the event, the dignitaries for their valuable insights and all participants for their active involvement. Appreciation was also extended to print and online media for their coverage of the event.
Students, scholars, faculty members, staff and other stakeholders actively participated in the programme, while slogans and posters carrying anti-drug messages were displayed to spread awareness against substance abuse. The programme concluded with a collective pledge by all participants to contribute wholeheartedly towards building a drug-free India.


