PU hostel organises lecture on drug de-addiction, digital detoxification

Chandigarh, November 5, 2026: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Boys’ Hostel No. 4, Panjab University, organised a lecture on drug de-addiction and digital detoxification, focusing on the health consequences of substance abuse and excessive use of digital devices.
The session, held at the hostel’s Reading Hall, was organised in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS), Panjab University, and the Bhai Ghanaiya Ji Institute of Health, Panjab University, under the aegis of the Dean of Student Welfare.
Dr Rupinder Kaur, Chief Medical Officer, Panjab University, attended the programme and highlighted the importance of awareness, preventive measures, timely help-seeking and access to professional support in addressing addiction-related concerns on campus.
Dr Naveen Kumar welcomed the dignitaries and participants. The university’s counselling team, comprising counsellors Ms Pulkita and Ms Deepti, also participated in the session and shared their perspectives on the subject.
The discussion covered commonly abused substances, their physical, psychological and social consequences, and the early warning signs of addiction.
The speakers highlighted the role of family members, friends and the university community in supporting people struggling with substance use. They also stressed the need for timely intervention, professional counselling and medical treatment, noting that recovery and behavioural change are possible with appropriate support.
The second part of the session focused on technology dependence among young people, particularly excessive mobile phone and social media use. The discussion covered its possible effects on sleep, concentration, academic performance, interpersonal relationships and mental well-being.
Participants were advised to adopt practical measures to manage screen time, including setting usage limits, keeping mobile phones away during study hours and bedtime, taking regular breaks from screens, and engaging in physical activities, hobbies and face-to-face interactions.
Residents, hostel staff, and mess and canteen workers attended the programme. An interactive question-and-answer session provided participants with an opportunity to raise queries and discuss the issues with the speakers.
Dr Anupam Bahri, NSS Coordinator, Panjab University, proposed the vote of thanks and acknowledged the contributions of the dignitaries, resource persons, organisers and participants.
The lecture was the 10th in Panjab University’s ongoing Mental Health Awareness Lecture Series, which aims to promote mental health awareness, preventive practices and timely help-seeking among members of the university community.