Srinagar, May 20: Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department, J&K UT, Ram Niwas Sharma on Wednesday inaugurated a plantation drive under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) at Cluster University Srinagar.
Ram Niwas planted tree saplings along with Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mobin, marking the symbolic beginning of the drive aimed at promoting environmental consciousness alongside social awareness against substance abuse.
Among other officials, Ram Niwas Sharma was accompanied by Dr. Subash Chander, Special Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner Secretary emphasized the crucial role of educational institutions in the fight against drug abuse.
He said the plantation drive symbolises growth, resilience, and the collective commitment towards creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for students and society at large.
He urged universities and colleges across Jammu and Kashmir to remain actively engaged in the larger campaign of building a drug-free society.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mobin reiterated the university’s commitment towards sustained awareness and institutional engagement under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
He said that students remain the key stakeholders of the university system and emphasized the need for continuous sensitisation programmes to address the growing challenges of substance abuse.
Prof. Mobin noted that the anti-drug campaign initiated under the leadership of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor has received encouraging public participation and support from civil society across Jammu and Kashmir.
The plantation drive was held in the presence of Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Syed Wilayat Hussain Rizvi; Controller of Examinations, Prof. (Dr.) Khurshid Ahmad Mir; Dean Sciences Prof. (Dr.) Nighat Nasreen; Dean Social Sciences, Dr. Javid Ahmad Bhat; Dean Humanities and Liberal Arts, Prof. Tahira Syed; faculty members, officers, Nodal Officer NMBA Cluster University Srinagar, students and staff members.
Following the plantation drive, the Commissioner Secretary held a review meeting with university officials regarding ongoing academic functioning and implementation of NMBA activities across the university and its constituent colleges. Discussions focused on strengthening institutional mechanisms aimed at awareness generation, outreach and student engagement against drug abuse.
Pertinently, Cluster University Srinagar has been actively organising a series of initiatives under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, including awareness rallies, debate competitions, orientation programmes, padyatras, and outreach activities aimed at promoting collective responsibility and informed social engagement among youth.
