AWANTIPORA: In a multi-stakeholder meeting on substance abuse, Professor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of IUST, underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address substance abuse among youth, highlighting that they are society’s most valuable resource.
Prof. Romshoo cautioned that the rising vulnerability of young people to substance abuse could have dire social consequences.
He outlined the need for a holistic approach focusing on prevention, early detection, and rehabilitation, calling for coordinated efforts across all sectors of society. He stressed the critical roles that religious leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, community leaders, and influencers must play in this endeavor.
Attendees included Dr. Abdul Majid, Head of Psychiatry; Dr. M. Muzaffar, Clinical Psychologist; Khan Ansur from NIMHANS Bangalore; Mir Zubair of Cause NGO; and representatives from the Human Welfare Voluntary Organization, the Addiction Treatment Facility in Pulwama, the J&K AIDS Control Society, as well as IUST faculty. Participants shared deep concerns about the rise of substance abuse among youth, stressing that this issue impacts every citizen, directly or indirectly, and requires collective action.
The discussions highlighted the links between substance abuse and rising crime rates, increased prevalence of diseases like AIDS and hepatitis, higher dropout rates, and impaired learning abilities in young people. Participants emphasized the need for widespread awareness campaigns in educational institutions and recommended establishing community-based rehabilitation centers to support government efforts in combating this crisis.
Prof. Romshoo assured attendees of IUST’s commitment to addressing this issue, noting that the university will develop specific skill-building programs for substance abuse victims to aid their recovery and facilitate their reintegration into society.
He also highlighted IUST’s existing Centre for Mental Health and Well-being, which offers regular sessions on substance abuse awareness and mental health support to foster a healthier student community.