Dharampur (Mandi, Himachal Pradesh), July 01 : A two-day training workshop for Resource Persons under the ongoing “Nasha Mukti Abhiyan” (De-addiction Campaign) was successfully held at the Tihra Rest House in Dharampur Tehsil. The event was organized by the Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti (HGVS), District Mandi, in collaboration with the Public Works Department (HPPWD-101).
Mr. Vijay Kumar from Gunjan Sanstha, Dharamshala, served as a key resource person and delivered an impactful session highlighting the growing menace of substance abuse and its serious effects on youth and society. He stressed the urgent need for collective awareness, education, and grassroots community involvement to counter addiction.
Dr. Ashwani Rathore shared his insightful views during the session, lauding the efforts of the campaign and assuring continued support. Alongside him, Dr. Veena Rathore—both of whom have been actively involved in the campaign for the past 20 days—have been working tirelessly through the committee to raise awareness and mobilize community participation.
In her address, Dr. Veena Rathore made a special appeal to women to take proactive roles in the movement, emphasizing their vital contribution toward creating healthier, addiction-free communities.
On the second day, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) Mr. N. R. Thakur presented striking data, revealing that over 90% of illnesses today are linked to substance abuse and poor nutrition. He underlined the need to prioritize mental health and intensify public awareness campaigns. He also noted that the average lifespan of drug-addicted individuals can be drastically shortened to just 8 to 10 years.
The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including:
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Satyawan Pundeer, State Secretary, HGVS
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Bhupendra Thakur, State Member, HGVS
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Sunita Bisht, District Secretary, HGVS, Mandi
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Bhupendra, Chairperson, Dharampur De-addiction Committee
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Bholadatt Kashyap, Chief Advisor
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Satish Kumar, Secretary
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Rantanj Rana, Executive President
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Ratan Lal, Executive Member
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Hemraj, Secretary
Numerous panchayat-level committee members, local leaders, and community citizens also participated and collectively resolved to extend the reach of this campaign under Dr. Veena Rathore’s leadership to every village and household.
A total of approximately 60 participants took part in the event. From the Health Department, Dr. Sushant Sharma, Medical Officer from Mandi, led a session on mental and spiritual health. CHO Rekha and local ASHA workers from Tihra also contributed actively.
Participants from the Child Development Department, including Anganwadi workers, were in attendance, along with representatives from the Tihra Police Post. The event also welcomed retired education officials and members of local social organizations, underscoring the campaign’s growing support across sectors.
Notably, representatives from several Panchayats also participated, showing a strong grassroots presence:
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From Jodhan Panchayat: Mrs. Madhuri Devi, Asha Devi, Kamala Devi, and Mr. Surinder Kashyap
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From Sajao Piplu Panchayat: Mr. Yeshwant Singh Rathour, Mr. Suraj Kamal, and Mr. Om Chand Thakur
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From Longni Panchayat: Mr. Raj Pal, Mr. Rajinder Pal, and Mr. Surender Kaundal
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From Gharwarsra Panchayat: Ms. Bitto Devi, Ms. Sarojani Devi, and Ms. Aruna Devi
All of these Panchayat members are actively associated with the committee led by Dr. Veena Rathore, playing a vital role in furthering the campaign’s mission at the community level.
