Awareness Campaign on Drug Abuse Held at UHF Nauni

Solan June 25

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Solan, in collaboration with Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, organized an awareness and sensitization campaign on drug abuse at the university campus on Tuesday.

Akanksha Dogra, Secretary of DLSA Solan and Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In her address to the students, she emphasized the importance of saying ‘No to Drugs’ and highlighted the legal assistance available to individuals who may be caught in the cycle of substance abuse. She encouraged students to stay away from drugs and shared various government helpline numbers that can be reached for help. She also advised students to manage stress through healthy outlets such as sports, yoga, meditation along with extracurricular activities.

Vaishali Sharma, Clinical Psychologist at Regional Hospital Solan, spoke about the psychological pressures that often lead to drug use and outlined practical strategies for stress management. She explained the harmful effects of drugs on both mental and physical health and introduced six guiding principles to resist drug temptation.

Preeti Sharma, Drug Controller Solan, elaborated on the adverse consequences of drug consumption and urged students to rely on their willpower to avoid all forms of substance abuse. Gopal Singh, Additional SHO Solan, explained the legal implications of drug use, noting that both drug peddlers and consumers are liable for prosecution under the law.

Earlier, Dr. Manish Sharma, Dean, College of Horticulture, welcomed the speakers and participants. He called upon students to understand the multifaceted impact of drug use—physical, mental, social, and legal—and make informed choices. The event was also attended by Dr. Uday Sharma, Officiating Dean, College of Forestry. The campaign was coordinated by Dr. Meenu Gupta and Dr. Neelam. As part of the initiative, an awareness rally on drug abuse was flagged off by the Chief Guest from the College of Forestry to the university’s main gate. Over 200 students of BSc forestry and BSc Horticulture took part in the event.

In a separate event, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan pledge to university employees at the Administration Block. The pledge was also taken by faculty and staff in their respective departments as part of this national campaign.