Port Blair, Oct. 22: The Department of Home Science, JNRM, in association with the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India organised a Seven-day State Level Workshop on Drug Abuse Prevention for College Students and Capacity Building Programme for College Faculties and School Teachers. The valedictory function for the workshop was held today in seminar room of JNRM wherein Shri. Manoj C., IPS, Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District graced the occasion as Chief Guest. 

Addressing the gathering Shri. Manoj C., IPS informed the gathering that the A&N Police is taking all possible measures to curb the evil menace of drug abuse. He requested the teachers to know the pulse of the students in order to have a safe school life.

The night patrolling initiated by the South Andaman Police and surprise check at the prominent places has helped the police to put a curb on illegal activities. In addition, YUVA programme has been launched by the A&N Police Department to prevent the drug usage, said the SP.

Manoj also lauded the Department of Home Science, JNRM and suggested that the department take a lead role in YUVA programme.

Ms. Sandhyaswamy, IPS, SDPO, South Andaman on the occasion exhorted the teachers to have regular meetings with the parents of the students to know the abnormalities and also to provide proper counselling to the students.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Jitendra Jatolia, Deputy Commandant, CISF Port Unit, Port Blair said that heinous crimes are being committed by the youth after consuming drugs. Such things are being motivated by peer group pressure. He also highlighted the role of CISF in stopping the transportation of drugs from mainland.

Dr. N. Francis Xavier, Principal, JNRM asked the teachers to take the message and to be vigilant at school.

Earlier Shri. Avneet Kumar, Programme Lead (South India), NISD, New Delhi inaugurated the programme and dealt at length on the initiatives of NISD and requested JNRM to train more number of volunteers to serve the society.

Dr. S. Jayakumar, Principal (ANCOL) congratulated all the teachers for taking active part in the noble mission.

Dr. K. Venkatesan, HOD, Home Science and Convener of this programme presented a brief report of the seven days programme and welcomed the gathering.

Around 80 teachers from GSSS, Bathubasthi, GSSS, Mohanpura, GSSS (Boys), GSSS (Model), GSSS, (Junglighat), GSSS, (School Line), Carmel Sr. Sec. School, JNV (Chouldhari & Car Nicobar), KV-2, VKV, RGT, St. Marys Sr. Sec. School, Ummat Public School, Kamaraj Eng. Medium School, MGIS have participated in the state level workshop. 

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Anisha Banu, IInd B.Sc. Home Science. The workshop was moderated by Ms.Vanisha, Student of Ist year B.Sc Home Science.