Lucknow, 30 July (HS): Inspired by Uttar Pradesh Governor

Anandiben Patel, a Drug De-addiction Public Awareness Campaign

program was organized for the officers and employees of Jan Bhavan and the

students of Jan Bhavan Adarsh Secondary School under the joint aegis of the

Police Department, Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and Narcotics Control

Bureau (NCB) at Jan Bhavan on Thursday.

During the program, expert officials provided detailed

information on the identification of drugs, their side effects, the main causes

of drug addiction, and prevention and preventive measures. Participants were

also made aware of the ill effects of drug addiction and preventive measures

through PowerPoint presentations (PPTs) and short awareness videos.

Participants were also encouraged to stay away from drugs, adopt a healthy

lifestyle, increase participation in sports and other creative activities,

remain socially active, set positive life goals, and contact de-addiction

centers and support services if needed. The message was also conveyed on this

occasion that a small step taken at the right time can bring about a big

positive change in life.

The program also highlighted the efforts being made by the

Uttar Pradesh government to eradicate drug addiction. It was stated that the

state is continuously working to protect society from the ill effects of drug

addiction through the formation of an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF),

extensive public awareness campaigns, street plays, a national helpline,

de-addiction centers, and other coordinated efforts.

The Governor presented certificates to 5 employees of Jan

Bhavan for their pledge to give up drugs and called upon everyone to remain

drug-free themselves and actively contribute to making the society drug-free.

Also, all the officers, employees and students present at the programme were

administered an oath against drugs. The Governor presented badges to 5 students

of Adarsh Secondary School, Jan Bhavan, who were nominated as 'Drug

De-addiction Guards'.

On this occasion, the Governor stated that the drug

de-addiction campaign has been running at Jan Bhavan for many years, but to

ensure its effective results, active participation of society and families is

essential. She stated that drug de-addiction is not just a government campaign,

but rather the collective responsibility of every family, parent, and society.

Family heads should become aware of this and set a positive example for their

children. The Governor emphasized that youth play an important role in building

a developed India.

She informed that convocations at state universities are

underway. Prior to convocations, security personnel at Jan Bhavan conduct a

thorough inspection of the university, which uncovers numerous deficiencies,

including drug use. Necessary instructions are issued to maintain drug-free

campuses and address other deficiencies. She said that parents work hard to

educate their children, so students also have a responsibility to adopt a

disciplined and healthy lifestyle.

The Governor stated that the women of the Green

Army were honored at Jan Bhavan. They have done remarkable work against

alcohol, gambling, dowry, and other social evils in their families and society.

They have worked to inspire children of the Musahar community to pursue

education. She explained that this group is also advancing women towards

self-employment and self-reliance. She added that sewing machines and other

necessary materials were provided to encourage such efforts, as a result of

which many women are now self-employed and self-reliant.

Regarding women's health, the Governor stated that Uttar

Pradesh alone accounts for 60 percent of cervical cancer cases in India. She

explained that the HPV vaccination campaign for girls was launched with public

support. Subsequently, the Prime Minister was informed of this issue, resulting

in the vaccine being made available free of charge to girls aged 6 to 14 across

the country. She urged everyone to encourage more girls to get vaccinated.

The Governor said that to transform the drug de-addiction

campaign into a mass movement, it is essential to train teachers so that they

can raise awareness among students, who will then work towards drug

de-addiction in their families and society. She said that before inspiring

others to quit, it is essential to lead a drug-free life yourself.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi