Ganderbal, April 21: To create a drug-free society and sensitize the youth about the grave consequences of substance abuse, Dean Students Welfare (DSW), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), organized a pledge ceremony across all the campuses on Tuesday under the banner of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The main event was held at Tulmulla campus, where the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, graced the occasion, marking the launch of a 100-day Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign against drug abuse. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam, faculty members, senior functionaries, research scholars and students were present.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath emphasized the urgent need for collective responsibility in addressing the challenge of drug addiction. He highlighted that substance abuse not only destroys individual lives but also adversely impacts families, society, and the nation at large. Stressing the importance of informed choices, he urged students to remain vigilant and resilient, noting that moments of emotional vulnerability should not lead to destructive coping mechanisms.
He further underlined that education extends beyond classrooms, drawing attention to the role of family, society, and nature in shaping responsible individuals. Encouraging students to focus on their goals and aspirations, he stated that staying away from addiction ensures personal growth, societal respect, and meaningful contribution to national development. He also called upon students to actively participate in the 100-day campaign and become ambassadors of awareness within and beyond the university.
Dean Students Welfare, Dr. Jehirul Islam described drug addiction as a “silent crisis” affecting individuals and communities across the country, cutting across social and economic boundaries. Referring to the campaign launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020, he noted that it has evolved into a people’s movement, emphasizing community participation and shared responsibility. He further announced that the university would conduct a series of activities over the next 100 days, including awareness drives, workshops, outreach programmes, and student-led initiatives aimed at sensitizing the wider community.
Later, Prof. A Ravinder Nath administered the pledge with participants collectively affirming their commitment to “say no to drugs and yes to life.”