In Shopian district of South Kashmir, a novel initiative titled ‘Promote Books and Not Drugs’ has been launched by the district administration, receiving an overwhelming response from students and civil society. The drive, part of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, aims to foster a culture of reading as an alternative to substance abuse.
The Chenab Times has learned that residents turned out in large numbers to donate books at designated collection centers across the district, including Municipal Council Shopian and Zainapora. Donations encompassed a wide range of literature, from academic texts and novels to books on current affairs, reflecting broad community engagement.
Senior officials from the district administration oversaw the collection process, meticulously registering each donation and donor. The enthusiastic participation has reportedly exceeded the administration’s expectations, signalling a growing public commitment to initiatives promoting education and social awareness. The campaign’s objective is to establish community libraries and cultivate reading habits among the youth, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable to drug addiction.
The initiative seeks to convey a clear message: the sharing of knowledge through books is a positive alternative to the perils of drug consumption. Collected books are slated for distribution to schools, libraries, and community centres, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. The district has, in recent years, faced significant challenges with drug addiction, with a concerning rise in the use of hard drugs among young people, leading to tragic outcomes for some.
District Magistrate Shopian, Shishir Gupta, articulated that the drive is designed to promote reading as a constructive engagement for youth, offering a positive pathway away from destructive tendencies. He encouraged citizens to donate new or used books at the designated centres, emphasizing that the campaign aims to simultaneously raise awareness about the detrimental effects of drugs and cultivate an environment of knowledge and hope.
Gupta expressed satisfaction with the response thus far, urging continued public contribution to bolster the initiative’s success and contribute to building a healthier, drug-free society. The campaign highlights a collective effort to address the social issue of drug abuse through the promotion of intellectual and cultural pursuits.
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