In a bold and groundbreaking move, Mehvish Rafiqa Firdous, a young sociologist from Sopore, is challenging one of society’s most deeply entrenched perceptions: that drug addicts and peddlers are mere criminals deserving of blame. With her debut book, Blame Game, Mehvish brings a fresh and compassionate perspective on addiction, shifting the focus from punishment to empathy, from individual blame to understanding the systemic causes of drug-related issues.

At just a young age, Mehvish has already achieved what many seasoned professionals would consider a monumental accomplishment—publishing a thought-provoking, research-based book that dives into the heart of a societal crisis. Mehvish’s decision to transition from studying sciences to sociology was motivated by a deep desire to address the social issues that have left her community, and countless others, in despair. By weaving together her academic knowledge with real-life data from her hometown of Sopore, Mehvish paints a powerful picture of how addiction is not just an individual problem but a reflection of the flaws within the very structures that govern our society.
In Blame Game, Mehvish argues that drug addiction should not be viewed through the narrow lens of moral failure or criminality. Rather, it is the result of a toxic combination of economic pressures, societal expectations, and systemic inequalities. She highlights how young men, in particular, are forced to shoulder the weight of financial responsibility, often in environments that are economically unstable. These pressures, combined with a society that places increasing importance on material success, create a perfect storm where addiction can take root.
But Blame Game is not simply a critique—it is a call for change. Mehvish challenges the prevailing view that addicts and drug dealers are to blame for their own misfortunes. Instead, she calls for a paradigm shift, one where addiction is seen as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. Her vision is clear: the cycle of addiction can only be broken when we address the root causes, starting with a societal shift that values empathy, rehabilitation, and systemic reform over punishment and condemnation.
One of the most compelling aspects of Blame Game is how Mehvish deconstructs the societal structures that contribute to addiction. She examines how societal obsession with wealth, success, and gender dynamics leads to stress, alienation, and ultimately, addiction. Mehvish also sheds light on how the growing power of women in certain sectors of society, while important and necessary, has created new pressures on men, contributing to an increase in addiction and crime. Her book raises the crucial point that these issues cannot be fixed without examining how systemic structures and power dynamics play into the rising rates of drug abuse.
Mehvish's work takes readers through a journey of understanding, urging them to look beyond the surface-level view of addiction as a moral issue and delve deeper into the complex societal factors that contribute to it. She takes on the common myths surrounding drug addiction, particularly in the context of Kashmir, where addiction is often stigmatized and misunderstood. Through her book, she makes the compelling case that addicts are not villains, but victims of a system that has failed them.
However, Blame Game goes beyond just presenting these ideas. Mehvish's work is a call to action. As a young author, she is using her platform not only to inspire intellectual engagement but also to reignite a passion for reading. With the decline of reading culture among the younger generation, Mehvish is actively organizing book reading sessions and discussions to encourage deeper thinking and promote change. “If the reading culture has diminished, I will personally revive it,” she says. “But we also need to focus on exposing the societal structures that perpetuate the cycle of addiction.”
Mehvish’s powerful book is a testament to the transformative power of literature. Blame Game serves as both a mirror and a magnifying glass—reflecting the flaws in our society while exposing them in greater detail. Mehvish doesn’t just ask her readers to empathize with the victims of addiction—she asks them to look at the systems that have made these individuals victims in the first place. Her book is a clear-eyed critique of the status quo, pushing for a societal reimagining that puts compassion and reform at the forefront.
By focusing on the systemic issues that feed addiction, Mehvish is urging society to ask hard questions about how its structures are contributing to the problem. Her work challenges readers to shift their thinking from condemning addicts to holding accountable the institutions, expectations, and norms that have failed to support them. Through this lens, Blame Game is not just a book—it’s a movement toward a more empathetic and just society.
Mehvish Rafiqa Firdous, with her youthful energy and intellectual clarity, has sparked a conversation that will continue to resonate far beyond the pages of her book. Blame Game is a groundbreaking work that challenges our views on addiction, crime, and societal responsibility. Through her research, her writing, and her dedication to social reform, Mehvish is setting the stage for a much-needed transformation in how we think about these critical issues.
Her call to see drug addicts and peddlers as victims, not villains, is not just a plea for empathy—it’s a plea for a societal overhaul. As Blame Game continues to inspire and provoke, Mehvish Rafiqa Firdous is showing the world that through understanding, compassion, and structural change, we can begin to heal the societal wounds that have given rise to addiction. It’s time to shift the blame, and with Blame Game, Mehvish is leading the charge.

Email:-------------------------------umrkhan9797@gmail.com