Jammu , May 16: In a sustained effort to strengthen civil-military relations and promote social welfare across Jammu & Kashmir, the Indian Army carried out a wide range of community outreach programmes, focusing on anti-drug awareness, youth empowerment, healthcare, environmental conservation, education and public engagement in remote and border areas.
Under the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, the Army organised awareness lectures, rallies, poster competitions, social media campaigns, drawing competitions and interactive sessions in districts including Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Reasi, Akhnoor, Ramban and Kishtwar. Educational institutions such as Model Academy Sagra, Govt High School Lower Kasbalari, Govt High School JWG, JNV Kotranka and several other schools witnessed enthusiastic participation by students and teachers in programmes aimed at spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
Army personnel highlighted the physical, psychological and social consequences of substance abuse while encouraging youth to focus on education, sports, discipline and constructive activities. Interactive discussions, poster-making competitions, tree plantation drives and pledge ceremonies formed an integral part of these initiatives. At Samote in Poonch, students even launched a social media awareness campaign using digital platforms to spread anti-drug messages among youth and families.
The Army also continued its efforts to engage with border communities and nomadic populations. Gujjar and Bakkarwal interaction programmes were organised at locations including Dharmari, Solki and Loran, where community members discussed concerns related to healthcare, seasonal migration, education, women’s welfare, veterinary support and connectivity. Army officials assured continued support and emphasised the importance of peace, communal harmony and coordination with security agencies.
Healthcare outreach remained another major focus area. Medical and veterinary camps were organised at Tagud in Kishtwar, Gurha Jagir in Akhnoor, Satharban in Poonch and several other remote locations. Hundreds of civilians availed free medical consultations, medicines and preventive healthcare guidance. In a major boost to healthcare services for veterans, a fully automated hematology analyser was inaugurated at ECHS Polyclinic Poonch under a civil-military cooperation initiative, expected to benefit nearly 7,000 ex-servicemen and their dependants.
The Indian Army also intensified youth engagement and motivational initiatives. Awareness sessions on joining the Armed Forces were conducted at Eklavya Model Residential School, Hubbi, Rajouri, while motivational talks on Operation Sindoor were organised at schools in Akhnoor and Rajouri to inspire patriotism, discipline and national pride among students. Participants were briefed about various career opportunities in the Armed Forces and encouraged to serve the nation with dedication and commitment.
Environmental conservation emerged as another key area of outreach. Large-scale tree plantation drives were conducted across Nowshera, Poonch and Rajouri, with thousands of saplings planted to promote ecological sustainability and environmental awareness. The Chinar Eco Warriors, in collaboration with the Forest Department, also organised a workshop in Samba on scientific eradication of invasive Lantana camara species and modern afforestation practices under the Greening J&K Initiative.
Programmes promoting women’s empowerment and social awareness were also organised. At Bafliaz in Poonch, the Army conducted a lecture on the “Role of Women in Society,” highlighting the importance of girls’ education, women’s empowerment and their contribution across all sectors of society. Career counselling sessions for girls were also held in border areas to encourage higher education and professional aspirations.
Meanwhile, wellness and health awareness programmes, including yoga camps, malaria prevention lectures and water conservation awareness sessions, were organised in districts such as Doda, Ramban and Reasi to promote healthy living and community awareness.
Senior Army officials also remained actively engaged in operational and community interactions. Director General Assam Rifles Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera visited forward locations in Kashmir, reviewed operational preparedness and interacted with troops, while also holding discussions with senior Army commanders at Srinagar regarding security and coordination.
Across districts, the initiatives witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, civilians, ex-servicemen, community leaders and local residents. The programmes collectively reflected the Indian Army’s continued commitment towards nation-building, community welfare, youth empowerment, environmental protection and strengthening trust and cooperation with the people of Jammu & Kashmir. – (PIB)
Comments are closed.