To raise awareness and strengthen collective efforts against drug abuse, the NSS Wing, North Campus, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with District Administration Baramulla, J&K, organized a Special Awareness Programme under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The event focused on highlighting the growing concerns around drug addiction and the urgent need to tackle it through education, community involvement, and institutional support. Experts and resource persons from the Department of Health,  Department of Social Welfare, Police, and Rehabilitation Services shared their perspectives and shed light on the psychological, social, and legal dimensions of substance abuse.

Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her message, emphasized the role of awareness and community engagement in curbing the menace.

“Addiction is not just a personal problem; it is a social challenge that demands a collective and compassionate response. We must empower our youth with knowledge and a strong value system to resist such harmful influences,” she said.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Mohammad, Director, North Campus KU, said that prevention begins with conversations at home, in classrooms, and within communities, where young people feel seen, heard, and guided in the right direction.

Dr. Sheikh also led a pledge-taking ceremony in which students, faculty, and staff vowed to promote a healthy lifestyle and support efforts to create a drug-free society.

A short documentary was also screened during the program that showed how deeply drug addiction affects individuals, families, and communities, especially the youth.

Students and faculty from various departments of the campus attended the programme. The event was coordinated by Mr. Bilal A. Kaloo, Programme Officer, NSS North Campus KU.