Drugs Destroy Dreams, Awareness Builds Futures: Delhi Police Leads Citywide Anti-Drug अभियान

Inspired by the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi Ji, and the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Amit Shah Ji, and in accordance with the directions of Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, to make Delhi Drug-free by 2027, Delhi Police, under the leadership of Satish Golchha, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Delhi, is making sustained efforts to combat drug abuse through enforcement, awareness, and community engagement.

In furtherance of this mission, Delhi Police, in collaboration with the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi organized a Workshop-cum-Awareness Programme on Drug Abuse, today, at Adarsh Auditorium, Police Headquarters, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi. The workshop witnessed the physical participation of over 300 Physical Education Instructors and National Service Scheme (NSS) Programme Officers from various schools. The programme was also live-streamed, enabling a large number students and teachers from more than 1,000 government and private schools across Delhi, to join the session online from their respective school locations.

Physical Education Instructors and NSS Programme Officers play a vital role in promoting the physical, social, and moral well-being of students. Their involvement in the programme is expected to significantly enhance student participation and these officers will further disseminate the objectives of the campaign at the school level, creating widespread awareness among students regarding the harmful effects of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Ranjay Atrishya, ACP/APRO, who extended his gratitude and formally welcomed Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Spl. CP/Crime & PMMC, Sanjay Tyagi, IPS, Jt. CP/PRO, Sanjeev Yadav, IPS, DCP/Crime, and all participating educators. He also presented an overview of the programme and its objectives.

The Key Note Speaker, Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, Spl. CP/Crime & PMMC in his address, thanked Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Director (Education), Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi, and appreciated the efforts of staff of ANTF & PRO Branch of Delhi Police in organising the programme. He emphasized that tackling drug abuse requires disrupting the supply through effective law enforcement, and reducing demand through sustained awareness and education. He further sensitised teachers about the different names and forms in which drugs are commonly circulated and urged them to remain vigilant. The ill effects of drug abuse were discussed in detail, and educators were advised to identify warning signs among students, such as sudden behavioral changes, mood swings, secrecy, and social withdrawal. Teachers were encouraged to educate youth about the dangers of drug abuse, promote open family communication, and motivate students to engage in constructive hobbies and activities.

Students were advised to resist peer pressure, stay away from drugs, seek early help when needed, and support fellow students who may be at risk. They were also encouraged to take an e-pledge against drug abuse and adhere to it. Highlighting the importance of awareness among youth, he stated that individuals in the age group of 14 to 25 years are valuable assets of the nation, and safeguarding them from drug abuse is essential to realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Participants were also informed about support mechanisms, including the MANAS Helpline 1933, which is a secure, citizen-centric platform to enable anonymous reporting of drug trafficking, illicit cultivation, and related offences.

A ‘Nukkad Natak’ performed by the Asmita Theatre Group was also staged during the programme, effectively highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and its harmful impact on individuals and society.

Through this initiative, Delhi Police aims to actively engage educators to spread awareness about drug abuse among school children and sensitize them about the serious physical, mental, and social consequences.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sanjay Tyagi, IPS, Jt. CP/PRO, who acknowledged the valuable contributions of all stakeholders and participants in making the programme a success.