JAMMU: To strengthen the resolve of an international society free of drug abuse and to raise awareness about the problems that occur due to illicit drugs, Counselling Cell Directorate of School Education Jammu organised a Panel Discussion on ‘ Prevention of Drug Abuse among School Children’ under the supervision of Director School Education Jammu, Ravi Shankar Sharma.
Swati Sharma, Dy.S.P. Headquarters, Jammu, Dr. Rajesh Chandel (Psychiatrist) Assistant Professor GMC Kathua, Palvi Singh, Project Director, JK Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses and Danish Aziz, Education Specialist were among the Panellists.
In the discussions, the speakers unequivocally stressed upon the need for improving the understanding of drug problem, especially among the school children, so that they can prevent themselves from its menace.
Romesh Sharma, Head Counselling Cell DSEJ delivered the introductory address and introduced the 2021 theme of the day ‘Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives’.
He elaborated the impact of drug abuse and provided facts and practical solutions to address the drug problem amongst school children.
Swati Sharma, Dy.S.P. Headquarters highlighted the role of police in curbing this menace, mechanisms being followed by the police, De-addiction centres operational in Jammu and counselling services provided by Police Department.
Dr. Rajesh Chandel discussed the type of drugs, causes of drug abuse, signs and symptoms to identify drug addict and type of treatments available.
Palvi Singh highlighted different initiatives of JK SPYM and types of cases dealt by them. She said that not only recovering from the addiction is sufficient but to rehabilitate them in society is important too. So, skill development is also catered upon by JKSPYM for their smooth adjustment in society.
Danish Aziz, Education Specialist, UNICEF, discussed School Interventions and emphasised upon peer education in schools. He said that prevention is better than cure, so nip the evil in the bud. Educate the children about drug abuse so that problem may be vanished from its basic roots.
The Panel discussion was conducted by Dr. Alka Sharma by asking varied questions from the panellists on the given topic, whereas Counsellor Shanti Saroop Sharma, Member counselling Cell DSEJ presented formal vote of thanks.
Dr. Surinder Sharma, Preeti Sharma and Manan Mahajan, members counselling cell DSEJ helped in the smooth conduct of the proceedings.

KR Desk