Drug-free living promoted in Ghumana camp

In a continued effort to combat drug abuse, the Red Cross Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), Nawanshahr, organised an awareness camp under the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” at the village dharamshala in Ghumana.

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The camp was presided over by Sarpanch Dharamvir Singh and witnessed participation from local residents and community leaders.

Addressing the gathering, Project Director Chaman Singh emphasised the critical role of adolescence in shaping an individual’s life. He pointed out that the teenage years, marked by significant physical and emotional changes, often become a vulnerable phase where stress and peer pressure can lead to substance abuse.

“Youngsters who fall into the trap of drugs face academic struggles, health problems including mental health issues, and strained social relationships,” Chaman Singh said. He highlighted that early intervention through counselling and education is key to prevention. Support from family and friends, he added, plays a vital role in helping affected individuals recover and rebuild their lives.

“We must stay close to our children, guide them, and remind them that life does not rewind—say no to drugs,” Singh urged.

Parvesh Kumar, Peer Educator at IRCA, along with local residents including Satpal (Panch), Nigahi Ram, Mohan Lal, Gian Chand, Sukhwinder Singh, Ashok Kumar, Gurpreet Kaur, and Gurbaksh Kaur, were also present at the event, which saw active engagement from the villagers.

“The Red Cross continues to lead awareness initiatives across the region to spread the message of a drug-free society and to provide rehabilitation support to those in need,” organisers said.