Communities leading from front

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mention of Sheikhgund village in Anantnag during his Mann Ki Baat programme is a powerful recognition of a community-led mission against drugs, tobacco, cigarettes and other addictive products. By highlighting this small village from Jammu and Kashmir on a national platform, the Prime Minister has underlined how grassroots resolve can become a catalyst for wider social change. The journey of the villages towards the mission reflects a growing realisation that the fight against substance abuse cannot be won by enforcement alone, but it demands awareness, collective responsibility and the active participation of families, community elders, youth groups and local institutions. The village’s efforts to sensitise residents about the harmful effects of drugs and tobacco, and to promote healthier alternatives, demonstrate how social pressure and moral persuasion can be effective tools in curbing addiction. This recognition also carries special significance for Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has been grappling with the challenges of drug abuse in recent years. The Prime Minister’s appreciation should serve as encouragement for other villages, towns and urban neighbourhoods to replicate such models. It reinforces the idea that meaningful change often begins at the local level and that ordinary citizens, when united by a shared purpose, can address even the most complex social problems. Going forward, it is essential that such community-driven movements receive institutional support through awareness programmes, counselling facilities and livelihood opportunities for those recovering from addiction. Sheikhgund’s example shows that a drug-free India is not merely an aspiration but an achievable goal when communities lead from the front.