Principal’s Workshop on Anti-Drug Awareness & Prevention Organised by NCC Group Chandigarh
Chandigarh, 30th May 2025: In a concerted effort to combat the growing menace of drug abuse, NCC Group Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Department of Education, Chandigarh Administration, organised a Principal’s Workshop on Anti-Drug Awareness & Prevention at Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector 42, Chandigarh, today.
The workshop was attended by Principals of all government and private colleges, secondary and senior secondary schools, along with members of VADA Clubs (Victory Against Drug Abuse) across the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The objective of the workshop was to sensitise and empower heads of educational institutions to take proactive and preventive measures against drug abuse among students.
The Chief Guest for the event, Major General Jagdeep Singh Cheema, Additional Director General, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh & Chandigarh Directorate NCC, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the crucial role educational leaders play in shaping a drug-free future for youth. The workshop commenced with a welcome address by Brigadier Vikram Singh Chauhan, YSM, Group Commander, NCC Chandigarh.
Dr. Rubinderjit Singh Brar, Director Higher Education, UT Chandigarh, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of sustained awareness efforts, inter-departmental coordination, and community involvement in tackling drug addiction.
Key topics discussed during the workshop included Legal perspectives and enforcement under the NDPS Act; Medical and psychological aspects of drug addiction; Early identification of drug use in adolescents; Case studies and institutional experiences; Civil administration’s role in drug prevention.
Esteemed speakers included Mr Suresh Mankotia from Narcotics Control Bureau; Dr Harpreet Singh Dhillon Addiction Psychiatric Super Specialist, PGI; Prof Aradhna Malik, Assistant Prof IIT Khanragpur; Mr Vijay Kumar Director, Gunjan Organisation for Community Development, Narcotics Anonymous; Ms Prabhjot Kaur, Nodal Officer, Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh Administration; Mr Sandeep Parmar Executive Director, Gunjan Organisation for Community Development.
An interactive open house session elicited valuable suggestions from participating principals, particularly stressing the need for synergy among all stakeholders. The Commanding Officer, 1 Chandigarh Girls Battalion NCC, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the key takeaways and urging institutions to implement learnings under the motto “Swastha Yuva, Sashakt Yuva” (Healthy Youth, Empowered Youth).
This workshop forms a key part of the ongoing Anti-Drug Campaign initiated by NCC Group Chandigarh. The campaign was formally launched by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab & Administrator of UT Chandigarh, on 3rd May 2025 during the Padyatra (Walk for a Drug-Free Chandigarh).
A series of follow-up programmes are scheduled throughout the year, including Anti-Drug Pledge & Rally at Sukhna Lake; NCC Half Marathon and Fitness Challenges; Community Outreach & Awareness Drives; Workshops in educational institutions; NCC Day Fete; Mindfulness and Meditation sessions in schools, colleges, and community spaces.
The Chandigarh Administration remains committed to eradicating drug abuse through a multi-pronged approach, harnessing the power of education, discipline, and civic engagement.
