Prevention most important pillar in combating drug abuse.
JALANDHAR
A Vartalap or Media Workshop on the theme of Drug Abuse has been held in Jalandhar, on Tuesday by the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
The Vartalap has been organized by PIB with the aim of generating a meaningful dialogue and fruitful exchange of ideas between the government and the fourth estate, on various dimensions of combating the menace of drug abuse and addiction.
The Vartalap was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar, Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal. Addressing the media, the Deputy Commissioner said that the issue of drug abuse is one which afflicts society as a whole and is not particular to any region or state.
The DC said that after the enforcement machinery, the third line of defence is the civil society, which should be very strong and supportive to the first two lines of defence. Out of enforcement, deaddiction and prevention, the DC said that prevention is the most important pillar. “Prevention must start from school itself, when children are of 5 – 6 years age.” If we are able to cut the demand for drugs, then the supply will automatically be addressed to a reasonable extent, he added.
The DC spoke of a decision that was taken when he was serving in Gurdaspur that when drug materials are caught, the authorities will no longer mention the amount and that instead it will be the punishment due which will be highlighted in the statements given to the media. He said that the idea is that the communication should serve as a detriment to use of drugs, and not as an encouragement for people who might feel motivated to get involved, seeing the potential for making quick money.
The DC said that it is important that as a society, we give job opportunities to people who have been rehabilitated. “We have to give our 100% in rehabilitating youth.”
The Special Guest and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) (Rural), Jalandhar Shri Harkamalpreet Singh Khakh said that it is high time that society got over the stigma associated with drug abuse. Speaking about the importance of family support, the SSP said that if the family itself does not care for its children and pay attention to this issue, then it places under a higher risk of getting addicted.
Speaking about the role of the Border Security Force (BSF) in preventing drug trafficking in border areas, DIG, BSF Punjab Frontier, Jalandhar, Shri A. K. Vidyarthi explained how the modus operandi of smugglers has changed in the wake of advancements in technology and communications. “Before 2021, smugglers from Pakistan used to come close to International Border or fencing line and someone from our side of the border also used to come close to the border to receive it. This was hence a risky endeavour. However, after 2021, drones arrived on the scene, changing the game altogether. Now, smugglers from Pakistan need not come close to the border. Location services and other communication technologies such as messaging services too have changed the modus operandi of the smugglers.” The DIG said that however, the BSF, Government of India, Punjab Police are all working on this matter with excellent synergy and coordination. The DIG said that the rate of felling of observed drones has been rising.
He said that we must interact with drug addicts by respecting their individuality and keep them engaged. This is what will enable them to come back on the path towards drug rehabilitation. Inculcating the practice of discipline is also vital, he added.
Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Bathinda, Dr. Jitender Aneja shared his insights on the newer addictions impacting the youth, such as gambling disorder, gaming disorder and internet addiction disorder. He said that todays’ youth have different challenges, and not just pertaining to drugs. He said that academic demands, social pressures and competitive job market demand 24*7 availability. He pointed that while technology makes some things easier, social pressures for youth have increased. He mentioned that today’s youth are more connected, but have more fear of being disconnected.
Associate Dean (Students’ Welfare), Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Dr. Jaspreet Kaur Rajput said that there is a need for skills which teach the students and youth what they can do and how to avoid drug use. “If they come to know of drugs at the right time, then, it can help. However, drug use is often glamourized in films, which makes the youth feel that it is cool to use drugs. Once they are aware, we need to teach youth how to stay away, by providing them with alternative activities and development of positive coping skills. Children should be taught to be brave enough to say “no” politely. Professional counselling can help.” The professor added that after parents, it is teachers who perform the role of foster parents.
Former Project Director, Red Cross Nasha Chudau Kendra, Sangrur, Shri Mohan Sharma shared his experiences and learnings on the factors which lead to drug abuse and interventions which can be made. He said that each one of us should become a role model, if the issue of drug abuse is to be addressed. “Parents should pay due attention to children and become role models for their children.” He said that if each Punjabi takes care of and helps in rehabilitation of one person addicted to drugs, then Punjab can become free of drugs.
The Vartalap witnessed an active engagement and interaction with the media. The media from Jalandhar and nearby areas attended in good number and contributed to the Vartalap with their insightful questions and sharp suggestions for how the state and other actors of society can come together to better tackle the problem of drug abuse. Some of the suggestions included
Earlier during the Vartalap, Joint Director, PIB Chandigarh, Shri Dheep Joy Mampilly gave a presentation on the functioning of PIB and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Media & Communication Officer, PIB Jalandhar, Dr. Vikram Singh welcomed the gathering and facilitated the proceedings. News Editor, All India Radio, Jalandhar Shri Rajesh Bali delivered the Vote of Thanks.