CU Punjab organises National Seminar on ‘Drug Abuse and Mental Health’ highlighting Geopolitical Challenges

Bathinda, September 25: The Department of History, School of Social Sciences, Central University of Punjab, under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, organised a One-Day National Seminar-cum-Workshop under the ICSSR-funded research project “Geopolitics of Illegal Drug Trade in Northwest Border: A Threat to National Security in India and Its Connection to Human Trafficking.” The seminar was titled “Drug Abuse and Mental Health: Understanding the Geopolitical Challenges on India’s Security.”

The programme began with the University Anthem, plant watering ceremony, and a welcome address by Organising Secretary Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Head of History Department and Project Director of the ICSSR research project. Dr. Kumar outlined the seminar theme, stressing that drug abuse is not only a social and mental health problem but also a serious security challenge for India, particularly in Punjab and other border states vulnerable to cross-border narcotics trade.

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tiwari remarked on the widespread prevalence of drug abuse along India’s western border and in the northeast, particularly in conflict-affected Manipur. He emphasized that the decline of joint families has left youth unguided, urging academicians, senior citizens, and community leaders to protect and mentor the younger generation. Highlighting that 65% of India’s population is youth, he cautioned against the threats of cross-border drug trafficking and drones, while appreciating initiatives like the Punjab Governor’s “Shapath Yatra” for drug prevention.

Chief Guest Shri Narender Kumar, noted scholar and social activist, highlighted India’s drug challenges rooted in its colonial past, including the British opium trade. He urged citizens to combat addiction through awareness campaigns, yoga, meditation, and collective action involving scholars, activists, and celebrities. He emphasized that civil society must remain vigilant to counter Pakistan’s tactics of using drugs and terrorism to destabilize India, including the use of drones to smuggle narcotics, weapons, and money, targeting youth and promoting radicalization. Stressing that drug abuse often arises from family and social issues, he underscored the importance of community engagement and creative initiatives such as street plays, posters, and songs to foster a drug-free society.

Delivering the keynote on “Narco-Terrorism and National Security: Challenges and Response,” Shri Saurabh Tolumbia, IPS, IGP (Advisor, Security, GAIL, MoPNG), highlighted how drug abuse undermines national strength, emphasizing that consumers or promoters of narcotics cannot be considered patriotic. He explained categories of drugs—cannabis, opiates, cocaine, psychotropics, depressants, and stimulants—and warned that India’s location between the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle makes it highly vulnerable to trafficking, which fuels terrorism, arms smuggling, and organized crime. Shri Tolumbia outlined government measures, including the NDPS Act, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, NCORD, NIDAAN portal, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, MANAS Helpline (1933), and Narcotics Reward Policy, urging participants to join a mass movement against drugs under the slogan “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs.”

Guest of Honour Dr. Nisha Sengar, Assistant Professor, University of Delhi, discussed “Drug Abuse and Mental Health: Geopolitical Challenges to India’s Security,” defining “Jehar” (poison) as excess consumption. She highlighted how drug abuse harms individuals and society, fuelling crime, terrorism, mental health crises, and reduced productivity, with particular risks to women and laborers. Dr. Sengar called for collaboration among academia, policymakers, and civil society, proposing measures such as international cooperation, de-addiction campaigns, expanded mental health services, rehabilitation centers, and youth engagement through education and skill development.

As a part of this seminar, a Poster Making Competition was held on 24 September under the project theme “Drug Abuse and Mental Health.” Several students enthusiastically participated, using their artistic skills to convey the message of a drug-free society. The best entries were evaluated by the Chief Guest, who also presented the awards at the conclusion of the seminar. The winners included Akanksha Singh (First Prize), Anupma Kumari and Drisha Chakraborty (Second Prize), Sadiya K. Simran and Purbasha Das (Third Prize), and Adarsh Deep (Consolation Prize).

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Hareet Meena, Professor of History, followed by the National Anthem. The seminar successfully underscored the urgent need for a united societal effort to combat drug abuse, promote mental health, and safeguard India’s youth and national security.