Pledge to say no: Sirmaur students lead the charge against drug abuse

An awareness rally against drug abuse was flagged off by Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma at Nahan Chowgan on Wednesday as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The rally, aimed at sensitising people about the ill effects of substance abuse, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of various educational institutions, including Government College Nahan, ITI Nahan, Himalayan College Kala Amb, Government Senior Secondary Schools (Boys and Girls) Nahan, NCC and Scouts & Guides.

The rally began from Chowgan and passed through Delhigate, Hindu Ashram, Bara Chowk, Gunnu Ghat and Mall Road before culminating back at the starting point. Addressing the gathering, the DC said the campaign is being observed across Sirmaur district from August 1 to 31, during which various activities are being organised to spread awareness. She said drug abuse is a social evil that not only ruins the life of an addict but also affects families and society at large. She appealed to people to take a pledge to “Say No to Drugs.”

Highlighting the challenge posed by substance abuse, particularly among the youth, she said rallies and such programmes are being conducted to prevent youngsters from falling into the trap of addiction. She added that those already affected are being assisted through counselling at Nayi Disha Kendras, voluntary organisations and the health department to help them come out of addiction. She emphasised that awareness is the strongest tool to prevent drug abuse and urged society to extend compassion and support to those struggling with addiction.

SP Nischint Singh Negi also addressed the participants, urging youth not to conceal addiction but to make efforts to overcome it at the earliest. He encouraged people to share information regarding drug trafficking or peddling on the toll-free number 1933, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential. He also administered an anti-drug pledge to the students.

Director of Higher Education, Himendra Chand Bali, sensitised the gathering about the harmful effects of drugs and appealed to youth to stay away from substance abuse. Students of Himalayan College Kala Amb presented a powerful nukkad natak (street play) highlighting the dangers of drug addiction and ways to prevent it.