Ladakh Welfare Deptt holds Drug awareness programme at DU under Nasha Mukt Bharat

Students pledge support for a drug-free society

LEH: The Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Ladakh Students Welfare Society, Delhi (LSWSD), and the All Kargil Student Association, Delhi (AKSAD), organised a two-day youth engagement programme on substance abuse and mental health at the University of Delhi on October 17 and 18.

Held under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the programme brought together students from Ladakh studying in Delhi to raise awareness about substance use disorders, promote mental well-being and encourage informed, non-judgemental responses to addiction.

Dr Padma Angmo, psychiatrist at SNM Hospital, and Dr Mehdi Shabani, Medical Officer at Urban Primary Health Centre, Kargil, discussed the causes and consequences of substance use disorders and their impact on individuals, families and communities. They stressed the importance of early identification, timely intervention and compassionate support for people affected by addiction.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Nilza Angmo and Sub-Inspector Padma Thinles of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force addressed the legal aspects of substance-related offences. Drawing on their professional experiences, they shared real-life examples to explain the legal consequences of drug-related activities and the importance of prevention and collective responsibility.

Tsering Wangdus, Officer on Special Duty to the Administrative Secretary, Education Department, and Dr Wellayat Ali, Senior Lecturer at DIET Kargil, conducted sessions on Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning. They highlighted emotional awareness, responsible decision-making and healthy interpersonal relationships, encouraging students to reflect on their well-being and ways to manage peer pressure.

Representatives of the District De-addiction Centres in Leh and Kargil, Nilza Angmo and Imtiaz Hussain, briefed participants on available treatment, rehabilitation and recovery services. Students also took a pledge under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, committing themselves to supporting a drug-free society.

Dr Zahida Bano, Director of Social and Tribal Welfare, felicitated student union representatives and urged students to remain aware of the risks of substance abuse and promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

A separate session addressed students’ queries regarding scholarships and provided guidance on available scholarship schemes and welfare support.

On the second day, Dr Padma Angmo conducted individual counselling sessions, offering students a confidential and supportive setting to discuss their concerns and explore appropriate referral options for further counselling and assistance.