Art and Culture Being Used to Connect with Youth, Says Joint Director
Srinagar : The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir is stepping up efforts to create mass awareness about the Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan, with a focus on reaching out to students and youth across districts.
Joint Director Information, Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq Chisti, told reporters on Monday that the department is blending art and culture with awareness campaigns to counter substance abuse. “Art has a healing effect and we have been using it to create awareness among the youth, especially students, to achieve the goal of a drug-free society,” he said.
Chisti noted that the department has been conducting awareness drives across multiple districts and assured that such activities will continue in the coming months. He said the outreach is part of a sustained effort to spread the message of a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
He further added that the initiatives are also linked to the ongoing Sewa Parv campaign, which began on September 17 and will conclude on October 2. “Grievance redressal camps and other activities involving art and culture have been organised under this campaign,” the official said.
According to officials, the campaign is designed not only to raise awareness but also to involve communities, particularly schools and colleges, in constructive activities. The DIPR has been coordinating with district administrations to ensure that events reach the grassroots level.
The Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan, launched at the national level, aims to curb drug addiction through awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation. Jammu and Kashmir, officials said, remains a priority region under the programme given the challenges of substance abuse reported in several districts.
Locals who participated in recent district-level programmes said that using art and cultural activities makes the campaign more engaging and relatable. They urged authorities to continue such initiatives regularly to protect the younger generation from falling into the trap of drugs.
