- The Chandigarh Administrator convenes a Joint Committee Meeting on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector-42, Chandigarh.
Chandigarh, India, February 2, 2025—In alignment with the visionary goals of the Honorable Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, a significant Joint Committee Meeting took place at the Postgraduate Government College for Girls located in Sector 42, Chandigarh. This meeting was convened in preparation for the much-anticipated gala event for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, set to unfold in February 2025.
During this gathering, the committee engaged in in-depth discussions on drug addiction awareness. Various stakeholders contributed their insights, emphasizing the importance of fostering a drug-free environment among the youth. The committee’s objective was to devise innovative and effective strategies for promoting drug awareness and prevention initiatives tailored to the higher education institutions across Chandigarh. This proactive approach aims to empower students with the knowledge and resources needed to combat the challenges posed by substance abuse.
The meeting, chaired by Mr. Rubinderjit Singh Brar, Director of Higher Education in the UT Chandigarh Administration, included the Principals of Government Colleges, Government-Aided Private Colleges, and Technical Colleges. Additionally, nodal officers of the VADA (Victory against Drug Abuse) Clubs in the city, NSS Programme Officers, and students from various higher education institutions were in attendance.
Principal Prof. Binu Dogra of the Postgraduate Government College for Girls in Sector 42 formally welcomed everyone. Dr. Mahender Singh, the Nodal Officer for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in Chandigarh and Joint Director of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, explained the mission, vision, and objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, which was launched on August 15, 2020. The session served as a brainstorming opportunity for various officials to discuss strategies for intervention and prevention aimed at creating drug-free college and university campuses.
- The Director of Higher Education, Mr. Brar, passionately articulated a series of insightful suggestions and comprehensive strategies aimed at tackling the alarming rise of drug abuse among city students. He expressed his unwavering commitment to the ongoing battle against substance abuse within the educational community, particularly in and around Chandigarh.
Mr. Brar elaborated on a multifaceted approach to combat this crisis, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness through community outreach programs, educational workshops, and public campaigns. He highlighted the need for collaboration among various sectors of society, including schools, parents, local organizations, and law enforcement, to cultivate a supportive network that promotes a drug-free lifestyle. By fostering open dialogue and encouraging shared responsibility, Mr. Brar aims to create an environment where students can thrive without the looming threat of substance abuse.
Principals, directors, officials from city colleges, higher education institutions, and the Education Department gathered to discuss vital student support strategies. They proposed several impactful initiatives, including fostering personal interactions with students to strengthen relationships and trust. They suggested hosting engaging workshops on life skills, establishing well-being cells to provide mental health support, and conducting informative seminars catering to various student interests.
Additionally, the idea of organizing morning assemblies was put forward to create a sense of community and routine. The creation of mentor-student groups was also emphasized, encouraging students to seek guidance from experienced faculty members.
- Beyond these initiatives, there was a strong call for introducing more skill-based activities to empower students and enhance their employability. Educational campaigns were also recommended to raise awareness about critical issues and community-based interventions to engage youth in meaningful activities.
Throughout these discussions, the teaching faculty expressed a united commitment to fostering a drug-free environment, emphasizing their determination to cultivate a safe and supportive society for all students.
- The program drew to a close with a powerful commitment from all attendees to work together in a united effort to eradicate drug abuse from the fabric of Chandigarh’s society. This pledge not only underscored their determination but also painted a hopeful vision for a healthier and brighter future for the community, where individuals can thrive without the shadows of addiction.
Meanwhile, in a strong display of unity and commitment, over 400 NSS students from government schools in Chandigarh and key officials from various departments gathered to form a human chain as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. This event, organized by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the Department of School Education and the NSS Wing, aimed to raise awareness about the increasing problem of substance abuse and to promote a drug-free society in Chandigarh.
- The event, led by Ms. Anuradha Chagti, Secretary of Social Welfare, Women, and Child Development, marked a significant milestone in the administration’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse. Ms. Chagti has been a key advocate behind various initiatives, including establishing VADA (Victory Against Drug Abuse) Clubs in 184 educational institutions across Chandigarh. These clubs are committed to educating and supporting students in the fight against substance abuse and have already reached over 1.5 million citizens in Chandigarh during the 2024-25 year.
Source: Chandigarh Administration
CitiTimes 