Centre for Social Work, PU Organises Awareness Programme on “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan”

Chandigarh, November 12, 2025: The Centre for Social Work, Panjab University, Chandigarh, organised an Awareness Programme to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The session, titled “Awareness, Recovery, and Hope: A Survivor’s Story”, featured Sikander Dhudike, a renowned motivational speaker and de-addiction counsellor, who shared his powerful personal journey from drug abuse to recovery and his transformation into a counsellor dedicated to helping others.

The guest speaker, Sikander Dhudike, was warmly welcomed and felicitated by Prof. Monica Munjial Singh, Chairperson, Centre for Social Work, and Dr. Gaurav Gaur, Faculty, Centre for Social Work, at the beginning of the programme.

During the session, Dhudike recounted his transformative journey, from battling addiction to achieving sobriety, emphasising the crucial role of family support, rehabilitation centres, and strong determination in overcoming substance abuse. He highlighted how rehabilitation centres act as turning points by promoting behavioural change and providing structured support, while also pointing out the challenges posed by unlicensed centres and the lack of proper counselling and holistic healing in some facilities.

Dhudike discussed the root causes that often lead individuals into substance abuse, such as peer pressure, curiosity, and lack of awareness about the consequences. He shed light on the role of organisations like Narcotics Anonymous, which provide peer-based support systems for those on the path to recovery. He also touched upon the recurring issue of relapse and the sense of hopelessness many individuals face during their struggle.

A key highlight of his talk was the discussion on societal stigma and negative dialogues surrounding addiction, which often push recovering individuals back into the cycle of substance use. He urged society to adopt a more empathetic and supportive approach, emphasising that recovery is possible with proper counselling, treatment, acceptance, and family involvement.

Dhudike also shared insights from his ongoing awareness campaigns and youth sessions, mentioning his collaborations with police departments and government authorities, where he spreads awareness about drug prevention and the importance of early intervention.