Kathua, Aug 05: In a continued effort to combat the rising threat of substance abuse among adolescents, the Jammu and Kashmir Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (JKSPYM), the State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA) for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, organised a one-day awareness programme on “Drug Abuse Prevention” at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Kathua.According to a statement issued here, the event was held under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) and the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), both initiatives of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It saw enthusiastic participation from around 90 students. A symposium competition on the theme “Drug Abuse Prevention” was a major highlight of the programme, where students shared their perspectives and ideas on tackling the menace of drug abuse. Nitin secured first place, Rihaan came second, and Manthan stood third. All winners were awarded for their commendable presentations. The awareness sessions were delivered by experienced resource persons who utilised the “Navchetna” module—a comprehensive school-based intervention developed to educate and empower adolescents. The sessions included interactive activities, group discussions, and practical demonstrations to increase student engagement and deepen their understanding of the dangers of drug use. School Principal Mangal Singh appreciated the initiative and lauded the efforts of the JKSPYM SLCA team for organising such an impactful and informative event. He stressed the importance of regular educational interventions to keep students informed and resilient against harmful influences. The programme concluded with the administration of the NMBA pledge, reaffirming the students’ and faculty’s commitment to fostering a drug-free society. A vote of thanks was extended by the organisers, followed by the distribution of refreshments to all participants.