CUKashmir holds VBYCP, speakers urge youth to lead fight against drug abuse
14/08/2026
Ganderbal, August 14 (KIP)-With an objective of engaging the youth with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and promoting awareness among the youngsters about the adverse effects of the substance abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan, Dean Students Welfare (DSW) and National Service Scheme (NSS) Central University of Kashmir CUKashmir) organised a Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP) at varsity’s Tulmulla campus here Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, appreciated the thought-provoking nature of the presentations made during the programme and congratulated the young leaders for effectively presenting the theme. Emphasising the responsibility of students as the future architects of the country, he urged them to acquire knowledge, disseminate it and, above all, apply it for the larger good of society. He further called upon the students to move beyond narrow confines, set ambitious goals and contribute meaningfully to India's transformation. CUKashmir Vice Chancellor, emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach towards creating a drug-free environment, stating that the responsibility extends beyond narcotic substances to include alcohol and tobacco as well. He urged students to uphold discipline, decorum and dignity in their personal and public lives and play their part in creating a better society and a better India.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Shri. Satish Chandra IAS (Retd), Chairperson JKRERA, spoke about the alarming spread of drug abuse among the youth and the need for collective action and measures to arrest the trend. Drawing upon his extensive public-service experience and interactions with young people in Jammu and Kashmir, he observed that the region possesses exceptionally talented and ambitious youth, but the growing prevalence of drug abuse poses a serious threat to their aspirations and future. Referring to his interactions with college teachers and principals across Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Satish Chandra said that drug abuse had emerged as a significant concern among young people and was “catching up with high speed”. He called upon the youth to resist temptations and lead their lives in a healthy and purposeful manner. Highlighting the consequences of substance abuse, he cautioned that the temporary euphoria generated by drugs comes at the cost of an individual's long-term physical, mental and professional well-being.
Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Dean School of Legal Studies, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam, NSS Coordinator, Dr. Shabir Ahmad, Nodal Officer, VBYCP, Mr. Suhail Ahmad Ahangar, faculty members, scholars, students and NSS volunteers from Government Degree College Ganderbal were present.
In his address, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, Mr. Urfaan highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between young people and the police in the fight against drug abuse. Drawing attention to the distinction between drug users and those involved in drug trafficking, he said that “a drug addict is a victim. We need to own him,” emphasising the need for empathy and rehabilitation alongside stringent action against those involved in the illicit drug trade. He urged students to remain vigilant against attempts by drug peddlers to lure young people into substance abuse and appealed to them to approach the police and share information. “If you unite together… then only we can fight against this menace,” he said, calling for sustained cooperation between the youth and law-enforcement agencies.
Earlier, students Mr. Anubhav Anand from the Department of Law and Ms Tulba Rasool, from the department of English made a comprehensive presentation about the important role of youth in Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and the measures taken by the Government of India, across the country, to counter the drug abuse.
The participants also took a pledge to fight against the rampant drug addiction.
Ms. Shafaq Ashfaq conducted the programme proceedings and Dr. Shahid Sultan, Asst Prof. Deptt of IT, proposed the vote of thanks.