Anti-drug drive at HPU maths dept

As part of drive against drug menace in Himachal, the mathematics department of Himachal Pradesh University on Tuesday organised a seminar to spread awareness against adverse fallout of consumption of drugs and narcotic substances. Dr Chaman Lal Banga, nodal officer of the university for the campaign against abuse, administered a pledge to teachers and students to stay away from drugs. Prof Khem Chand said drugs ruined lives and one should persuade and motivate his/her friends and relatives to shun their use. Prof Jyoti Prakash, who was the main speaker at the seminar, asked students to stay away from drugs and expressed concern over large number of youths getting addict to it.

Educationist awarded at UK House

A noted educationist from Himachal Pradesh, Dr Neelam Kaur, adviser, healthcare and education, Akal Academy, Baru Sahib (Sirmaur), has been conferred with the “Excellence in School Education Award” at the UK House of Commons for her dedicated service to the cause of education and women empowerment in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In pursuit of recognising her efforts and the contribution of eminent educationists, IMT (Intelligent Minds Trust registered under The Indian Trust Act, 1882) organised the award function where Gaur Gopal Das, spiritual leader, and Seema Malhotra, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston, were the chief guest. Dr Neelam Kaur, 57, has been actively engaged in contributing to the formal education of girls from economically challenged families for the past 25 years and has several credits to her name. Consistently and tirelessly working for providing education opportunities to girls from socially and economically disadvantaged communities of Punjab and other northern states, who have no access or means to schooling, she has succeeded in breaking the cycle of illiteracy that girls from such communities are mired in. “It is an honour to receive the award as it’s not just about my recognition but about appreciating the unique concept propounded and executed by Sant Atar Singh, Sant Teja Singh and now Baba Iqbal Singh,” Dr Kaur said.

Blood donation camp at Nauni varsity

A blood donation camp was organised at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, where Vice Chancellor Dr Parvinder Kaushal urged everyone to contribute their bit for the noble cause. He sensitised students about the long-term effects of consuming drugs and advised them to abstain from its use. Dr Nivedita Sharma and Dr RS Sephia, nodal officer of this campaign, elaborated about the anti-drug abuse campaign on the campus. The NSS students also staged street plays to spread awareness about the issue. The district ayurveda officer, Solan, also addressed the students on its various aspects and its prevention, including symptoms, identification of addicts, treatment and prevention. The successful alumni of the university were roped in to deliver lectures on the topic. Students and staff later donated blood at the university healthcentre.

Nursing College observes AIDS Day

Shimla Nursing College, Annandale, observed AIDS Day by organising various activities to spread awareness about symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Going by the theme for this year, “Ending Aids, Community by Community”, the students and staff of the college wore red ribbons as a symbol of AIDS awareness and urged people to regularly go for HIV test. Activities such as poster making, quiz competition and street plays were organised and people were informed about the causes, symptoms and precautions against AIDS to dispel misinformation about the disease.