Leh, September 28, 2024: The Care Connect Club of Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh, in collaboration with Drug De-addiction Centre, District Social Welfare Office, Leh, organized an event on the theme “Awareness cum Interactive Session on Drugs and its Consequences and Role of Drug De-addiction Centre” today on 28th September, 2024 at EJM College, Leh. The event aimed at generating awareness about various causes and side-effects of substance abuse which has become a grave area of concern especially amongst today’s youth. The organizers of the event were Dr. Yangchan Dolma, Convener and Dr. Tanushree Malakar, Co-convener, Care Connect Club.

The event commenced with presenting Khataks to the guests by Principal, Dr. Sameena Iqbal, EJM College, Leh. A Welcome speech delivered by Dr. Yangchan Dolma, Convener, Care Connect Club, followed by an Introductory Address presented by Mr. Wasim, Project Coordinator, Drug De-addiction Centre (DDaC) who gave an overview of the operational activities undertaken by the de-addiction centres across the country. The event then continued with a detailed power point presentation and interactive session conducted by Mr. Thinlay Nurboo, Project Manager, DDaC, highlighting the several causes and consequences of drug abuse. Besides providing a conceptual understanding of the varieties of substances that can be misused and are recognized as illegal by the Government of India. Mr. Nurboo also spoke extensively on the behavioral and physical symptoms associated with substance abuse. He further spoke on the different costs- social, economic, health, psychological, legal- borne by the addicts and their family which pushes them further into a never-ending cycle of drug use.

Ms. Rinchen Dolma, Counselor, DDaC, spoke on the crucial role played by the Counselors in the process of rehabilitation and de-addiction. Ms. Dolma also interacted with the students and guided them with few tips to help them relieve stress and cope with anxiety. The final presentation was given by a student representative of Yato Club, Islamia Public School, Leh, who provided a comprehensive understanding of the functioning and the various activities initiated and organized by the Club to raise awareness about social issues like substance abuse, climate change, discrimination etc. among school students.

The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Padma Dolma, a 1st semester student member of Care Connect Club. Faculty members and students from different semesters and departments participated with vigor and enthusiasm.