The Department of Social and Tribal Welfare, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Ladakh Students Welfare Society, Delhi (LSWSD), and the All Kargil Student Association, Delhi (AKSAD), organised a two-day Interactive Youth Engagement Programme on Substance Abuse and Mental Health on October 17 and 18 at the University of Delhi under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The programme saw the participation of students from Ladakh studying in Delhi.

The programme aimed to educate students about substance use disorders (SUDs), promote mental health awareness, address misconceptions surrounding addiction and encourage informed and compassionate responses to substance-related challenges.

Dr Padma Angmo, Psychiatrist at SNM Hospital, and Dr Mehdi Shabani, Medical Officer at Urban PHC Kargil, spoke about substance use disorders, their causes and consequences, and their impact on individuals, families and communities. They highlighted the importance of early identification, timely intervention and a non-judgmental approach towards individuals experiencing addiction.

DYSP Nilza Angmo and SI Padma Thinles from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force addressed the legal aspects of substance use disorders. Drawing on their professional experiences, they shared real-life examples involving individuals affected by addiction and those engaged in drug peddling. Their sessions helped students understand the legal implications of drug-related activities and the importance of prevention and collective responsibility.

Tsering Wangdus, OSD to the Administrative Secretary, Education Department, and Dr Wellayat Ali, Senior Lecturer at DIET Kargil, conducted sessions on Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning. They emphasised emotional awareness, responsible decision-making and healthy interpersonal relationships. The sessions encouraged students to reflect on their emotional well-being and understand the role of social and emotional skills in dealing with peer pressure and other challenges faced by young people.

Representatives from the District De-addiction Centres (DDACs), Nilza Angmo and Imtiaz Hussain, briefed students on the facilities and services available at the centres in Leh and Kargil. They highlighted the support provided for the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery of individuals affected by substance use disorders.

As part of the programme, participants also took the pledge under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free society.

Dr Zahida Bano, Director of Social and Tribal Welfare, felicitated the student union representatives and emphasised the importance of staying away from substance abuse and maintaining a commitment to a drug-free life. She encouraged students to become advocates for a healthy, drug-free society.

A dedicated session was also held to address students’ scholarship-related queries and provide information and guidance on available scholarship schemes and welfare support.

On the second day, Dr Padma Angmo, Psychiatrist at SNM Hospital, conducted individual counselling sessions, providing students with a confidential and supportive space to discuss their concerns and explore appropriate referral pathways for further counselling and support.