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Inaugurated by IAS Ajay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, who was also the Chief Guest, he emphasised the importance of early intervention in combating substance abuse
The workshop was followed by interactive Q&A sessions. (Representative/File)
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), in collaboration with DAV Public School, Uppal’s Southend, Sector-49, Gurugram, conducted a transformative Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Workshop. Over 150 principals from various CBSE-affiliated schools across Delhi NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan were in attendance. The workshop served as a crucial platform to address the growing issue of substance abuse among youth, the board said.
Inaugurated by IAS Ajay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, who was also the Chief Guest, he emphasised the importance of early intervention in combating substance abuse. He called for a collective effort involving schools, parents, law enforcement, and community organisations to tackle the root causes of drug abuse and safeguard the future of the younger generation.
Among the distinguished panel of experts was Dr. Anees Cheekunath, IRS, Deputy Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Delhi, who discussed the role of law enforcement in curbing drug use and provided practical measures for schools to adopt vigilance.
Pankhuri Kumar, SP, Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, Gurugram, also attended the event. Kumar shared strategies for identifying early signs of substance abuse and emphasized the need for close collaboration between schools and the wider community.
Prof (Dr.) Arvind Kumar, Chairman of Chest Surgery, Robotic Chest Surgery & Lung Transplantation at Medanta – The Medicity, and Founder of Trustee Lung Care Foundation presented alarming data on the health consequences of substance abuse, particularly the impact of E-cigarettes on the respiratory health of youth under 18.
Adding to the discussion were Shanti Krishnamurthy and Satish Kumar from Chinmaya International Residential School, Coimbatore. Krishnamurthy stressed the importance of fostering open dialogue about substance abuse within schools and society, while Kumar delved into the far-reaching physical, psychological, and economic impacts of drug abuse.
Charu Maini, Principal of DAV Public School emphasised that addressing substance abuse requires a unified and collaborative approach among all stakeholders. The workshop was followed by interactive Q&A sessions.
“This workshop marks a significant milestone in CBSE’s continued efforts to nurture a healthier, safer, and more informed generation. By bringing together educators, experts, and policymakers, CBSE reaffirms its commitment to combating substance abuse and fostering a supportive atmosphere for students across the country,” the board said in an official press release.
