Free Press Anti-Drug Seminar In Bhopal Calls For Mass Movement Against Addiction

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh - Drug abuse has been identified as a significant contributor to crime, affecting individuals, families, and society at large, as emphasized by speakers at a 'Stay Away From Drugs' seminar organized by Free Press in Bhopal. The event, held on Wednesday, aimed to raise awareness about drug abuse and acknowledge those working towards a drug-free society.

Assembly speaker Narendra Singh Tomar served as the chief guest, alongside co-operatives, sports and youth welfare minister Vishvas Sarang, Vidya Bharati provincial secretary Nikhilesh Maheshwari, ADG narcotics D Sreenivasa Varma, Free Press executive editor Nitendra Sharma, and director incharge Praveen Nagar.

Narendra Singh Tomar, addressing the attendees, stressed that drug abuse posed a threat to individuals, families, society, and the nation, drawing a parallel between the escalating drug issue and a war that must be waged with the utmost seriousness. He highlighted that many abused substances were not traditionally available in India but entered the country from abroad, likening the spread of narcotics to a threat to Indian society and culture.

Tomar also emphasized the crucial roles women, children, and young people play in campaigns like cleanliness drives and urged the need for a similar mass movement against drug abuse.

Vishvas Sarang, the sports minister, echoed Tomar's sentiments, stating that drug addiction destroys entire families and that the government alone cannot combat this issue. He called for collective participation and placed responsibility on children and young people to understand the consequences of drug abuse. Sarang underscored the government's efforts to address major security and social challenges, including the fight against drugs, which requires determination and sustained action.

He also mentioned that the sports department was conducting awareness programs in neighborhoods and colonies to engage all sections of society.

Nikhilesh Maheshwari, Vidya Bharati's provincial secretary, stressed that the focus should not merely be on combating drug trafficking but on collectively striving for a drug-free India by 2029. He highlighted the adverse effects of addiction, including road accidents, broken families, crime, and suffering among children. Maheshwari also emphasized the responsibility of families in preventing children from succumbing to drug use, advocating for stress management without resorting to intoxicants as an escape.

D Sreenivasa Varma, ADG narcotics, reported that the state of Madhya Pradesh conducted 23,337 anti-drug awareness programs, directly reaching 2.47 crore people through these initiatives. Additionally, the campaign's social media outreach reached 58 crore individuals. Varma also noted that the police had intensified enforcement against drug trafficking, registering 2,706 cases and arresting 3,690 suspects related to narcotics trafficking up to 2026.

The police also dismantled 12 clandestine laboratories involved in the illicit manufacturing of synthetic drugs within the state.

Finally, Nitendra Sharma, Free Press executive editor, underscored the connection between drug abuse and crime, emphasizing the urgency for heightened awareness and public involvement in combating addiction. He warned against the vision of "Udta Madhya Pradesh" (Awakening Madhya Pradesh) and urged the audience to prevent such a scenario through concerted efforts against drug abuse.