SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: The J&K Legal Services Authority, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar and Burn Hall School, commemorated the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a mega awareness program titled “Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.”
Justice Tashi Rabstan, Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority, served as the chief guest at the event.
The event saw the presence of Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, and Muzamil Hayat Kabli, Under Secretary of the J&K Legal Services Authority; Fr. Stalin Raja, Principal of Burn Hall School; Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary of DLSA Srinagar; and Feroz Ahmad, Secretary of Burn Hall School, along with other school staff members.
In his presidential address, Justice Tashi Rabstan highlighted the devastating impacts of drug abuse and stressed the need for a united effort to combat this social evil. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness, particularly among the youth, to eradicate drug abuse from its roots. “We must collectively create the right awareness among the masses, especially the younger generations, to combat the menace of drug abuse. It’s not just a legal issue but a social responsibility that we must all shoulder,” he stated. He also mentioned that teachers, parents, and elders play a crucial role in bringing the youth back to the mainstream.
Fr. Stalin Raja, in his welcome address, underscored the necessity of creating massive awareness among the younger generations. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Justice Tashi Rabstan for choosing his institution to organize this awareness program on a day of international importance. He further appreciated the unwavering commitment of Legal Services Institutions towards combating the drug menace and spreading awareness.
The program featured an insightful presentation by Dr. Yuman Kawoos, Assistant Professor at IMHANS, Kashmir, who discussed the complexities of drug abuse and effective stress management techniques. Her presentation provided valuable information and strategies for dealing with addiction and its psychological impacts.
Insha Malik, Counsellor at Burn Hall School, delivered an enlightening address on substance abuse and the critical role of counsellors in providing support and guidance to those affected by this social evil. Her speech highlighted practical approaches to prevention and intervention, stressing the importance of early detection and continuous support.
A poignant skit performed by law students and advocates depicted the harmful effects of substance abuse on individuals, families, and society, which was a highlight of the event. This moving performance underscored the urgent need for collective action and legal enforcement to tackle drug-related issues.
The program was a significant step towards fostering a drug-free society and showcased the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in addressing this critical issue.
