The National Service Scheme (NSS), University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Child Guidance and Well-being Centre and the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS-K), Srinagar, organised a one-day workshop on “Life Skills for Substance Abuse Prevention and Care” at the Main Campus on Tuesday.
The workshop aimed to help young people understand the risks associated with substance use and develop practical life skills to make informed choices, manage stress and deal with difficult situations. It also focused on early identification of warning signs, reducing stigma around addiction and encouraging young people to seek timely help and support.
Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her message, emphasised the importance of creating a supportive environment in which young people can develop the confidence and life skills to make healthy choices.
She underscored the role of universities in promoting awareness, well-being and access to timely support.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said that substance abuse among young people requires sustained awareness, early intervention and support from educational institutions, families and communities.
In his address Professor, Department of Psychiatry, GMC Srinagar, Dr. Arshid Hussain, highlighted the importance of life skills in helping young people respond to social and emotional challenges. He said that skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making can help individuals recognise risks and resist situations that may lead to substance use.
In his remarks Head, Drug De-addiction Centre, GMC Srinagar Dr. Yasir Ahmad Rather, said that life skills are an evidence-based approach to substance abuse prevention as they help individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms, emotional regulation and resilience.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Programme Coordinator NSS KU, Dr. Wakar Amin, said that the workshop was organised to make students aware of the risks associated with substance use and help them develop skills that support healthy choices.
The day-long workshop featured technical sessions by resource persons from IMHANS-K on understanding substance use and addiction, early warning signs and risk factors among youth and pathways to care and support.
The sessions also included practical training in stress and emotion management, coping strategies, decision-making and resilience.
An interactive session allowed participants to discuss their concerns and seek guidance from the experts. The programme concluded with a collective ‘Say No to Drugs’ pledge.
The event proceedings were conducted by Dr. Yasir Hamid, Programme Officer, NSS KU, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
