JAMMU: In a significant move to address the escalating challenge of substance abuse in the region, Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP) Taushi Shakha, in collaboration with the ICAI Jammu and Kashmir Branch, organized a high-impact seminar titled "Combating Drug Abuse: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach" at the ICAI Bhawan.
The event was graced by Suresh Sharma, District and Session Judge (Retd.) and Member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, who served as the Chief Guest, and Devraj Sharma, who attended as the Special Guest. In his address, Suresh Sharma lauded the synergy between social organizations like BVP and professional bodies like ICAI, emphasizing that such grassroots-level interventions are critical to creating a drug-free society.
The seminar opened with remarks from Ajay Khajuria, JKAS (Retd.), President of BVP Taushi Shakha. He presented alarming statistics regarding drug prevalence in Jammu and underscored that the seminar was specifically designed to bring together stakeholders from diverse fields-academics, law enforcement, and civil society-to find collective, actionable solutions. CA Saurav Pargal, Immediate Past Chairman of ICAI J&K, spoke on the deep societal impact of substance abuse and reaffirmed ICAI's commitment to social responsibility through collaboration with like-minded organizations.
A keynote address was delivered by Dr. Romesh Kumar, HOD DIET, who outlined a clinical and social framework focusing on psychological triggers affecting today's youth. The seminar's highlight was a comprehensive panel discussion moderated by Ajay Khajuria, Professor of Practice at MIET and Treasurer of BVP Taushi Shakha. The panel featured experts including Dr. Prof. Dilip Kumar, RD IIMC (Media & Communication), SSP ANTF Mohd. Anwar-ul-Haq (Law Enforcement), Dr. Abhishek Chohan (Medical Perspectives), Dr. Vinay Kumar (Academic Leadership), and Rajeev Khajuria (Social Intervention).
The seminar concluded with a powerful moment as over 100 students, teachers, and citizens took a solemn pledge against drug abuse. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by CA Jatin Malhotra, Vice Chairman of ICAI J&K Branch. The event was anchored by Ms. Bhoomi Thapar, a member of Taushi Shakha and student at Dogra Law College.
BVP Secretary Arvind Khajuria, along with members K. L. Anand, Vinod Sharma, Vinod Kumar, Kuldeep Uppal, Ms. Bhoomi Thaper, C. M. Sharma, Dr. Ramakant, Ashok Gupta, Balwant Singh, and Satpal Sharma, ensured seamless arrangements, contributing to the event's success.
BVP and ICAI also extended gratitude to participating institutions including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Model Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET), IIMC Jammu, Dogra Group of Institutes & Dogra Law College, Dewan Badrinath (DBN) School, Govt. High School, Muthi, Govt. Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Muthi, Govt. Middle School, Barnai, and Shining Star Academy, Muthi.