Bandipora, May 18: The District Administration Bandipora, in collaboration with Government Degree College (GDC) Sumbal, on Sunday organised a Psychiatry Convention on De-addiction under the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, focusing on the psychological, social and medical dimensions of substance abuse.
The convention was attended by MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib, Head of Department of Psychiatry at SKIMS Medical College Srinagar Dr Abdul Majid, and Registrar University of Kashmir Dr Naseer Iqbal, who addressed students, educators and officials on issues related to addiction, mental health and prevention strategies.
Among others present were Principal GDC Sumbal Prof. Shabeena Iqbal Shawl, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sumbal, Assistant Commissioner Development Bandipora, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Deputy District Education Officer, District Information Officer, Drug Control Officer, faculty members and students.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib said the programme was designed as a focused scientific and psychological session rather than a routine awareness event. She announced that the district administration would review the impact of anti-drug initiatives after one month and urged youth to remain engaged in efforts aimed at building a drug-free society.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Abdul Majid described the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan as an important intervention against rising substance abuse. He said addiction affects education, family structures, financial stability and the wider social fabric. Stressing the need for early intervention, he called for stronger parent-child communication, healthy companionship and timely psychological support.
Dr Majid also rejected the notion that addiction is hereditary or inborn and encouraged affected individuals to seek professional help without stigma. He outlined six measures for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper sleep, balanced diet, social engagement, extra-curricular activities and constructive use of challenges.
Registrar University of Kashmir Dr Naseer Iqbal highlighted the role of educational institutions and teachers in preventing drug abuse. He said teachers often serve as the first line of support for vulnerable students and stressed the importance of mental resilience, purpose and psychological wellbeing in resisting harmful influences.
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS, Dr Syed Mehvish, delivered a clinical presentation on substance abuse and identified peer pressure, stress, curiosity, adverse life events and parental influence as major risk factors. She discussed the physical, psychological and social consequences of addiction and emphasised the importance of mental health support and positive peer relationships.
MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat stressed the importance of compassion, parental responsibility and institutional support in addressing addiction. He administered the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir pledge to participants and called for collective societal efforts to tackle the issue.
During the convention, a recovered drug user shared his personal experience of addiction and recovery, drawing a strong response from the audience. The testimony was acknowledged by speakers as an example of the possibility of rehabilitation and recovery through timely support.
The event concluded with an interactive session, a signature campaign and renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen anti-drug efforts across Bandipora district.
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