UoL organises awareness programme on Drug Addiction and Career Counselling

LEH: The University of Ladakh has organised a programme combining drug addiction awareness, career counselling and livelihood guidance, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha urging students to make informed choices and acquire skills that can support productive and fulfilling careers.

Organised by the Office of the Dean Students’ Welfare, the programme sought to sensitise students to the harmful effects of drug addiction while exposing them to career opportunities, skill development, capacity building and sustainable livelihood options.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Kushwaha stressed the need to strengthen awareness about drug addiction and equip young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to make responsible decisions about their future.

The programme featured sessions by speakers from diverse professional backgrounds. Mahima Mehra, Co-founder, HVT, and Vivek Kedia, HVT, spoke on career counselling, while Major Anshu Saxena (Retd.), Head, Community Development, Youth Support, Skilling and Livelihood, discussed skill development and livelihood opportunities.

Dr Anupama Harshal, STEM Mentor, Capacity Building, highlighted the importance of capacity building and continuous learning. Panki Sood, Co-founder, Director and Motivational Speaker, addressed the students on motivation and personal development.

Personal accounts of recovery from drug addiction formed an important part of the programme. Ravi Shankar, a retired IT professional, and Sanchit, a social media volunteer, shared their experiences of addiction, the difficulties they encountered and their efforts to rebuild their lives.

Their accounts conveyed to students that recovery is possible with determination, perseverance and appropriate support, while underlining the need to seek help and make responsible choices.

Students and faculty members attended the programme physically at the Leh Campus, while participants from the Kargil Campus, SAS&T Stakna and SAS&T Kargil joined virtually.

The sessions also provided students with guidance on employable skills, career planning and livelihood opportunities. Students participated in discussions and interacted with the speakers.

The programme was conducted by Rigzin, PhD Scholar, who served as the Master of Ceremony. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Stanzin Mantok, Dean Students’ Welfare, who acknowledged the contribution of the Vice-Chancellor, speakers, faculty members, staff and students, including those who participated online.

The programme underlined the University of Ladakh’s focus on student welfare, drug-abuse prevention, youth empowerment, career development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.