Qazigund, April 16: Government Degree College Qazigund, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Qazigund and the Tehsil Legal Services Committee (TLSC), organized an awareness programme on drug abuse and its societal impact. The event brought together faculty members, students, and legal professionals to address the rising threat of substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
The session opened with an introductory note by Prof. Nehad Kaniz Fatima, Head of the Department of English, who underscored the importance of collective consciousness in combating drug addiction. Welcoming the participants, College Principal Prof. Aufaq Ahmad Zargar stressed the need for sustained engagement between educational institutions and civil society to effectively tackle drug-related challenges.
Judicial Magistrate and Chairman TLSC, Astik Verma, graced the occasion as the chief guest, with M.D. Shawl, President of the Bar Association Qazigund, also in attendance.
Delivering the keynote address, Adv. Amir Hamid (Panel Lawyer, DLSA) elaborated on various forms of narcotic substances, their accessibility, and their devastating social consequences. He highlighted how addiction often contributes to family breakdowns, domestic violence, and long-term societal disruption.
Assistant LADC Basit Farooq followed with a powerful address, emphasizing peer support and community-driven efforts as critical tools in drug prevention. He encouraged students to serve as catalysts for change by supporting peers in seeking help and accessing de-addiction services.
The programme also featured thought-provoking presentations by students. Danish (2nd Semester) spoke on addiction treatment facilities, urging the audience to approach addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing. Seerat (2nd Semester) raised concerns about the increasing number of drug abuse cases in Kashmir, stressing the importance of vigilance and empathy. Shahid (2nd Semester) discussed the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and advocated for greater student involvement in such national movements.
Adding a cultural and emotional layer to the event, Dr. Waheed Ahmad Dar from the Department of Urdu recited a poignant poem on the dangers of drug addiction, which deeply resonated with the audience.
The programme concluded with an interactive Q&A session led by Astik Verma, where students engaged freely, sharing thoughts and raising questions. Prof. Showkat Ahmad Malik, Head of the Department of Education and NSS Programme Officer, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the contributions of the guests, students, and organizers. He reiterated the importance of continued collaboration between academia and the legal community in combating drug abuse.
