THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, January 12: The weeklong DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) campaign may have formally concluded on Monday, but the larger fight against drug abuse is far from over, said District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Secretary Rakesh Ranjan.
Calling the end of the campaign a “brief stopover,” Ranjan said DAWN was only pausing to prepare for a longer and more intensive mission to combat the growing drug menace.
‘No Respite in Fight Against Drugs’
Speaking to The Jharkhand Story Network, Ranjan said the battle against drugs cannot be confined to time-bound campaigns.
“There is no respite in the fight against drugs. It has to be intensified. This is not a samapan (conclusion), but a shuruaat (beginning),” he said.
He stressed that drug abuse is a continuing social threat and requires sustained awareness, vigilance, and collective responsibility.
Students Highlight Stress and Drug Trap
During the programme, law student Varsha shared that academic pressure and exam-related stress often push students towards drugs.
“It starts as an escape but quickly becomes a deadly trap,” she said, warning that once a student falls into addiction, it becomes extremely difficult to come out.
COTPA Violations Near School Flagged
A para-legal volunteer raised serious concerns over violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) near a government high school in Daltonganj.
COTPA prohibits the sale of tobacco products within a 100-metre radius of educational institutions. However, a wine shop is reportedly operating close to the school.
DLSA Secretary Rakesh Ranjan assured that the issue would be taken up with the concerned authorities.
Family Breakdown and Youth Discontent Add to Crisis
Speakers at the event noted that the breakdown of the nuclear family system and growing youth dissatisfaction are aggravating factors, often pushing young people towards risky behaviour and eventual drug addiction.
Sources said the session was made particularly meaningful by the active participation of law college principal Pankaj Tiwary and his group of students, who contributed to thought-provoking discussions.
Officials Join DAWN Programme
District Education Officer Saurav Prakash and District Social Welfare Officer Neeta Chouhan were also present, underlining the administration’s support for the anti-drug initiative.
Pledge Against Drug Abuse
The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge—to fight drug abuse, to say “No to Drugs,” and to choose life over addiction.
Rakesh Ranjan reiterated that society must act at the earliest signs of drug abuse.
“A visible change in someone’s behaviour is the first signal. If society ignores it, the consequences will have to be borne by all,” he warned.
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