Teachers to act as ambassadors in fight against drug abuse: DC Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 1: As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the District Administration Srinagar on Saturday organized a training programme for Schools and Colleges Teachers on identification and counselling of students to prevent drug abuse and promote a healthy, drug-free life. The teachers were trained by the experts of IMHANS, SMHS Srinagar.
The programme was presided over by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, who attended as the Chief Guest here at Sri Pratap College.
While Superintendent of Police, Umar Shah; Joint Commissioner SMC, Suhail-ul-Islam; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar; District Social Welfare Officer, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad; Principal, S.P. College, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, HOD IMHANS, Dr Yasir along with other Resource Persons, Experts, and Teachers from Higher Secondary Schools and Degree Colleges of the District were present on the occasion.
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the significance of the day-long training and orientation programme, aimed at equipping teachers with the knowledge, skills and understanding required to effectively respond to the growing challenge of substance abuse.
He emphasized that the teachers trained under the programme will serve as brand ambassadors in saving youth from the menace of drugs. The DC said the trained teachers will now act as vital assets to society, equipped to identify early signs of drug abuse, implement intervention strategies and provide counselling and motivation to affected students. He noted that the trained staff will also help train other staff members on the techniques shared by the resource persons during the programme.
The DC further underlined that the true impact of this initiative lies in transforming awareness into action through teachers, ultimately helping to safeguard youth and society as a whole from the ill effects of drugs.
On the occasion, the Superintendent of Police elaborated on the legal aspects and enforcement measures in place to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse, and called for active public cooperation in the fight against this social menace.
The Joint Commissioner, SMC also highlighted the collective responsibility of society and the administration in addressing the issue of drug abuse and creating a supportive environment for youth.
Earlier, Principal S.P. College extended a warm welcome to all participants.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner distributed Certificates of Appreciation among the Resource persons and Certificates of Participation among the trainee Teachers from Higher Secondary Schools and Degree College of Srinagar District.
During the event, Resource persons and Experts stressed the crucial role of teachers in the early detection of behavioural changes among students and the importance of timely counselling and awareness. Participants were sensitized about various government initiatives and community-based approaches to combat substance abuse.
The DC appreciated the efforts of all participating institutions and reaffirmed the District Administration’s commitment to continue collaborative efforts with the education sector to achieve the goals of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks presented by the District Social Welfare Officer.