Award for awareness: Dehri college’s efforts against drug abuse pay off

Wazir Ram Singh Government College, Dehri (Fatehpur Subdivision), was conferred with a prestigious state-level award by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment for its transformative initiative, the ‘Safeguard Campaign’, on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on Thursday.

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The award was presented by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at a ceremony in Shimla, acknowledging the college’s innovative and impactful efforts in raising awareness against drug abuse and fostering student welfare and community safety.

Launched on October 24 last year by local MLA Bhavani Singh Pathania, the Safeguard Campaign was envisioned as a holistic outreach programme that recognised educational institutions as agents of social change. The campaign tackled a broad spectrum of crucial issues, including mental health, life skills, communication, stress management, decision-making, critical thinking and drug de-addiction.

Over the past eight months, the college spearheaded a wide array of engaging activities such as poster-making competitions, workshops, street plays, rallies and awareness drives in village panchayats. These outreach efforts helped spread awareness not just among students, but also in the wider community, creating a ripple effect of social consciousness and preventive education.

The campaign received vital support from Gunjan NGO, Dharamsala, and the District Health Officer, Kangra, which further amplified its reach and impact.

College Principal Dr Sachin Kumar described the recognition as a symbol of collective commitment, calling the award “not just a trophy, but a testament to the college’s dedication to social responsibility, the hard work of the faculty and the enthusiastic participation of students.”

“The ‘Safeguard Campaign’ has proven that education is not merely about earning degrees; it’s about shaping sensitive and responsible citizens,” he said.