New Delhi: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organized a programme to commemorate the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, on 26th June 2024. The event was attended by Dr. Virendra Kumar, HMSJE, MoSs (SJ&E), Rajyogini BK Lakshmi, Delhi Zonal Coordinator of Brahma Kumaris, and senior officers of the Department.

Around 700 people were physically present during the programme held in New Delhi, and approximately 500 NGOs involving more than one lakh people were virtually connected.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized that the challenge of eradicating drug addiction requires everyone in society to come together and fight for this social cause.

He further appreciated all the NGOs and spiritual organizations for creating awareness in society against drug abuse. There is a need to spread awareness among the youth. He added that the Department will sensitize one crore people and NMBA will be operationalized in all the districts across the country within 100 days by the collective efforts of society.

Minister of State, SJ&E, Ramdas Athawale, said that addiction to drugs affects not only the individual consuming drugs but also their entire family. He urged all the NGOs to work with full dedication in achieving the aim of Nasha Mukt Bharat and assured them that the Ministry will support them in running their de-addiction centres.

Minister of State, SJ&E, B.L. Verma, in his speech, highlighted and appreciated the NAPDDR Scheme of the Ministry and explained how Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has helped in reducing the demand for drugs. He highlighted the achievements of NMBA.

The Secretary of SJ&E, in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

A Nukkad Natak by the Sukhmanch Theatre group wonderfully showcased the ill effects of drug addiction and how it adversely affects the entire society. /BI