New Delhi, August 2: In a significant initiative aimed at protecting children and adolescents from addiction, the Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy has launched a nationwide campaign for drug-free schools. This initiative seeks to foster healthy and responsible citizens across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the “Gen-Z Against Addiction: Drug-Free Youth – Developed India Resolution Campaign” through a virtual platform. The central education ministry is working to engage students, teachers, parents, and school management committees in this campaign.
The Department of School Education and Literacy has directed schools across all states and union territories to ensure maximum participation from students, teachers, school management committees, parents, and local communities. During this campaign, all participants took an oath for a “Drug-Free India.”
According to the Ministry of Education, the most effective fight against addiction begins at the school level. If children are made aware of the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances early on, they can be prevented from falling into addiction. With this in mind, the “Drug-Free Schools” action plan is being implemented in schools nationwide. Under this plan, special awareness programs will be organized to highlight the adverse effects of tobacco and substance use.
Students are being encouraged to stay away from drugs through various activities such as poster-making, essays, speeches, debates, art competitions, oath-taking ceremonies, rallies, and counseling sessions. Schools are also being urged to become completely drug-free educational institutions. Educators emphasize that teachers play a crucial role in this campaign. They do not just teach; they also guide and inspire students. By recognizing changes in children’s behavior, teachers can provide timely direction and raise awareness about the harmful effects of addiction.
Notably, Prime Minister Modi recently urged college and university professors to engage with students about the dangers of drugs alongside their academic curriculum. He encouraged them to initiate a movement against addiction on their campuses, stating that their efforts could yield significant results.
He also mentioned that if a young person accidentally falls into addiction, it does not mean all paths are closed. It is vital to remember that if a child in the family becomes a victim of addiction, it should not be hidden under the guise of social prestige. Seek help when necessary. Efforts should be made to free the child from addiction through medical assistance. A culture of open communication with children should be fostered within families to prevent them from falling into such traps.
According to educators, parents should maintain regular communication with their children, keep a positive watch on their friends and daily activities, and create a family environment where children can openly share their problems. Only through combined efforts of family and school can children be effectively prevented from turning towards addiction.
The Ministry of Education stated that this is not just an awareness program but a social commitment. If schools, teachers, parents, and society work together to guide children, future generations can be kept safe from addiction. The ministry has appealed to all schools to make the “Drug-Free Schools” campaign a regular activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle, sports, yoga, discipline, and positive values to realize the goals of a drug-free and developed India.
Leave a Comment