Bilal Bashir Bhat
International Youth Day (IYD) is celebrated on August 12 every year. It is a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing youth around the world. The purpose of this day is to promote the importance of youth inclusion, empowerment and development. As far as our part of the world i.e. Kashmir is concerned, the biggest challenge facing our youth is “drug abuse”.
This day can be effectively marked as a day against drug abuse by creating awareness, organizing educational initiatives and encouraging youth involvement in prevention and support efforts.
This day gives us an opportunity to advocate for better policies and resources for drug addiction prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. Encourage youth to connect with policy makers and advocate for change.
Drug addiction is a major problem affecting societies globally, and Kashmir is no exception. In the context of Kashmir, various factors contribute to the prevalence of drug addiction.
Youths have an important role and responsibility in combating drug abuse in their communities and society. It is imperative for the conscious youth of Kashmir to use their voice to advocate for the prevention of drug abuse and resources. Participate in conversations, raise awareness, and encourage policymakers to prioritize addiction prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs.
Addressing drug use is a collective effort, and youth play an important role in creating a healthier and supportive environment for everyone. Your actions and advocacy can contribute to positive change and have a lasting impact on individuals and communities affected by drug use.
Finally yet importantly, as we all know social media is widely used in Kashmir so leverage your online presence to spread drug prevention messages. Share informative articles, videos and resources on social media platforms to reach a wider audience.