According to the government data, children aged 10 to 17 years are being exposed to drugs, and many are already addicted to different substances. That’s why we need more social programmes to educate and protect our youth, ensuring a brighter future for India.

What is Drug Abuse?

Drugs are basically used to cure diseases. When drugs are used for the wrong reason, it’s called drug abuse, like to escape from a problem, to feel “high”, or to fit in a circle.

Drug Abuse can:

• harms the body and mind.
• Affect study, job, relationship.
• Lead to addiction, where you lose control over your mind.
• Weaken financially. 

Advice for the Addicted

• Drugs make you feel better for a short time; a temporary escape can cause long-term damage.
• Terms like “I can quit anytime” are myths. These terms are used by my friends, and now I am seeing them struggle to quit. 
• If someone says that “Everyone tries it”, it’s not true. Ask yourself a simple question: Are top-level athletes doing this thing, or any high-value person using this thing? You’ll get your answer.

Why Do Students and Youth Fall into Drugs?

• Peer Pressure: Students often take drugs to fit into a group. They do this to gain acceptance from friends or a social circle.

• Stress: Many use drugs to escape situations in their lives. It may give temporary relaxation, but it creates bigger problems later.

• Curiosity: Some try drugs out of curiosity — “what it feels like” or “what happens after I try this.” What starts as an experiment often turns into a habit.

• Emotional Pain: In moments of deep pain, people look for quick relief. Drugs may seem like an easy escape, but they never truly fix the problem.

Why Is It Important to Say No?

• Physical and Mental Health: Drugs can destroy both physical and mental health. They directly impact organs like the liver and kidneys, making you sick and exposing you to dangerous diseases. Poor physical health also affects mental health – when the body suffers, the mind suffers too.

• Career: Addiction can ruin the future. It takes the person away from their goals and keeps them trapped in a cycle that revolves only around drugs.

• Consequences: Addiction breaks trust with loved ones, destroys finances, and damages the image. It makes them lose control of their mind, often causing anger and frustration.

How to “Say No” and “Stay Strong”

• Build Self-Confidence to Refuse: Don’t fear saying “No.” Strong people make smart choices. Never hesitate to reject things that harm your life.

• Choose the Right Friend Circle: Your friends reflect your personality. Be around people who lift you, not those who make you feel small or pressured.

• Engage in Positive Activities: Activities like sports, art, or hobbies keep your mind occupied and positive, leaving no room for bad habits.

• Talk to a Trusted Person: A trusted person gives good advice and helps you make better life decisions.

Importance of Open Conversations at Home

The family is the biggest support system. They always want the best for their child. Talking to parents can help find solutions to problems. Conversations with loved ones are comforting and can clear doubts, ease stress, and make any drug addict feel supported. When family stands with you in your tough times, half of the problems already feel lighter the moment you share them.

How to Overcome It If You’re Already Involved

• Seek Professional Help and Counselling: If someone’s addicted, getting professional help is the best step. Experts provide treatments, guidance, and support without judging.

• Rehab and Support Groups: The government has launched several initiatives, like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Spiritual organisations and NGOs also run programmes to help youth recover from drug abuse.

• Understand That Asking for Help Is Strength, Not Weakness: Asking for help takes courage. Many fear opening up, but sharing problems with loved ones or professionals can change everything. Support is always available – you just need to take that first step.

Conclusion

Making India a drug-free country is not an easy job. We all have to make collective efforts to make this campaign successful. Investing in education and sports would help to change the focus of youth towards sports and education. The journey is tough, but together we can motivate youth to live a drug-free life.

Today’s youth is very much indulged in the drugs and to fulfil their daily need of this, they do other crimes also. The crime rate will reduce only when the root cause, i.e. drug addiction would weed out. That’s why, to aware of drug addiction, the anti-drug Yatra will reach Navdeep stadium, Narwana at 5 PM.

The Yatra will be held under the aegis of NGO President, KUlbir Singh.  According to Kulbir Singh, President, of Udit Kunj Foundation, the main aim of the Aagaaz is to make Haryana drug free.

In the village, Mahesh and Sonu, the youth partners of Udit Kunj Foundation, organized the program. Kulbir Singh, the national president of the organization, reached as the keynote speaker. He was given a grand welcome by all the villagers. Senior member of the organization Praveen Kumar conducted the program.

Kulbir Singh apprised the villagers about the growing problem of drugs and told the youth how to avoid it. He promised all possible help to those who have become addicted to drugs.

In the end, he also sought suggestions from the villagers regarding this campaign, on which the young friends gave very good suggestions. Master Sandeep on behalf of villagers thanked the Aagaaz Yatra on reaching the village and called it very beneficial for the younger generation. He also has formed a team of 20 members from the village who will work and associate with Udit Kunj foundation.

So, we’ve launched this anti-drug Yatra- Aagaaz, in which first we are covering the three districts of Haryana, Kaithal, Jind, and Hisar and then move on to other districts for drug awareness and rehabilitaton of drug addicts, he mentioned.

According to Kulbir, the main aim of the campaign is to make Haryana drug free.

Kulbir Singh, President, Udit Kunj Foundation and keynote speaker of the day launched the ‘Aagaaz’ campaign to combat drug addiction. Talking more about it, he said, “There are a lot of people who have suffered because of drugs, especially youth.  They want to come out of it but they can’t. The reason behind youth falling for drugs is mainly peer pressure and stress. People who are drug addict wants to come out of the stigma, but they are not able to afford the rehab treatment or the medicines that are required for a couple of months.

So, we’re launching this anti-drug Yatra- Aagaaz, in which first we will cover the three districts of Haryana, Kaithal, Jind, and Hisar and then move on to other districts for drug awareness and rehabilitation of drug addicts, he mentioned.

According to Kulbir, the main aim of the campaign is to make Haryana drug free.