Workshop on drug abuse gets underway at Nauni varsity

A three-day workshop on Drug Abuse, Awareness, Sensitization and Prevention began today at the Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. The workshop is being organised by the Department of Business Management for the first-year students of all four constituent colleges of the university. The workshop has been sponsored by the NAHEP IDP.

Addressing the participants during the inaugural session, Dean College of Horticulture Dr. Manish Sharma said that drug abuse has emerged as one of the most serious issues that is affecting the people, especially the youth. He said that the workshop was part of the university’s effort to provide inclusive education to the students. Dr. Sharma urged them to become brand ambassadors and create awareness about drug abuse in society.

Dr. Dinesh Sharma, HOD, Department of Psychiatry, IGMC Shimla also addressed the students on the occasion and spoke about the severe consequences of drug consumption. Dr. KK Raina, Librarian and Principal Investigator of NAHEP IDP informed about the workshop component of the IDP. Dr. Inder Dev, Director Extension Education also spoke about the ill effects of drug abuse and how it can derail the lives of any individual along with their families.

Earlier, Dr. Kapil Kathuria, HOD Department of Business Management informed that the workshop intends to raise awareness among participants about drug abuse and to sensitize them on the adverse impact it has on the individual and the society. He added that through the different sessions of the workshop, the participants will be equipped with life skills approaches that promote better health, a drug-free society, foster community engagement and encourage early intervention through education.

Workshop coordinator Dr. Yasmin Janjhua and Co-coordinator Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary informed that the workshop has technical sessions from health experts along with role plays, discussions, interactive sessions, educational videos, games and exercises. On Tuesday, Dr. Dinesh Sharma from IGMC Shimla and Vaishali Sharma, Deaddiction counsellor and Clinical Psychologist from Regional Hospital Solan addressed the students on Prevention Strategies and Early Interventions for Drug Abuse and Behaviour Modifications and Counselling respectively. A session on self-esteem and positive attitude and mindful meditation for emotion regulation was also held with the Brahmkumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya.