KATRA: As part of the ongoing Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir 100-Day Campaign, a massive anti-drug awareness rally was organized at Kakryal, Katra under the aegis of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital (SMVDNSH).
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of Delhi Public School, Kakryal, students and faculty members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing, healthcare professionals, hospital staff, Shrine Board officials, police personnel, and representatives of other law enforcement agencies. Participants collectively reaffirmed their commitment towards building a drug-free society.
The programme commenced with an awareness exhibition and felicitation ceremony held at the atrium of SMVDNSH.
A special attraction of the event was the “Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir Campaign” Mobile Cartoon Exhibition created by internationally acclaimed cartoonist Shekhar. Through impactful cartoons and creative visual messages, the exhibition effectively highlighted the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoted the vision of a healthy and drug-free society.
Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, along with other distinguished guests, flagged off the anti-drug awareness rally from SMVDNSH to SMVDIME. Participants carried banners and placards conveying strong messages against drug abuse and advocating healthy lifestyle choices.
Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur–Reasi Range; Shri Alok Maurya, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Mukund Tibrewal, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi; Shri Satish Sharma, Joint Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Shri Pawan Kumar, Financial Advisor and Chief Accounts Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, SMVDIME; and Dr. M. M. Mathavan, Facility Director, SMVDNSH.
The dignitaries emphasized that active youth participation and collective community efforts are crucial for successfully combating drug abuse. They called upon all sections of society to join this people’s movement against substance abuse.
The programme also featured a yoga and wellness session, a health awareness lecture on the harmful effects of narcotic substances by Dr. Anuj Priyadarshi Sharma, and practical demonstrations of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and life-saving first-aid skills for participants.
Appreciating the efforts of all stakeholders, the dignitaries stressed the need for sustained public awareness, education, physical fitness, and community engagement to achieve the vision of a Drug-Free Jammu & Kashmir.
In a significant step towards strengthening de-addiction and rehabilitation services, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital has established a dedicated Psychiatry Department and reserved five specialized beds for de-addiction treatment, enabling individuals struggling with substance dependence to receive expert medical care and counselling.
The successful event reflected the collective commitment of educational institutions, healthcare organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board towards building a healthier, safer, and drug-free society.