Srinagar, Oct 24: Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar Dr G V Sandeep Chakravarthy on Saturday urged the youth to replace drugs with bats and books so that police are able to build a drug-free society.
He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the culmination event of a cricket tournament organised by Srinagar Police under the Civic Action Programme in Downtown Srinagar.
Congratulating the winners, runners-up and all participating teams, the SSP said the initiative was aimed at channelising the energy of young people towards constructive activities and keeping them away from drugs and other negative influences.
“Sports could play a crucial role in shaping the character of youngsters by instilling discipline, teamwork, determination and a fighting spirit. Organising this tournament is aimed at channelising the energy of our youth in a positive direction, keeping them away from negative influences and encouraging them to utilise their time and energy in sports and education,” he said.
The SSP said cricket was not merely a game but an important platform for teaching young people life skills that could help them become responsible members of society.
“Cricket is not just a game. It teaches teamwork, fighting spirit and discipline. These are qualities our youth need to develop, not only on the field but in every aspect of life,” he said. “I urge the youth to replace drugs with books and bats, so that police are able to build a drug free society. This is our wider message.”
Emphasising the importance of resilience, Dr Chakravarthy said winning and losing were part of sports, but the real test of character lay in the ability to rise after defeat and continue striving for success.
“Winning and losing are part of the game, but real winners do not accept defeat as the end. They keep fighting and continue working towards their goals. It was a very good tournament, and I congratulate the winners, runners-up and every participant who contributed to its success,” he said.
The SSP said the enthusiastic participation of young people reflected the potential of sports to bring communities together and provide youngsters with a healthy alternative to harmful activities.
He also appreciated the role of media personnel in highlighting the tournament and carrying the positive message of Srinagar Police to a wider audience.
“I congratulate the media fraternity as well for helping spread the positive message of Jammu and Kashmir Police. Such initiatives deserve wider attention because they encourage young people to take part in constructive activities and inspire others to follow the same path,” he said.
Dr Chakravarthy said Srinagar Police would continue organising sports tournaments and similar programmes in the future to strengthen youth engagement and promote a healthier social environment.
He stressed that the fight against drug abuse required sustained efforts beyond enforcement, with sports, education and community participation serving as important tools to prevent youngsters from falling prey to addiction.
The tournament formed part of the police’s broader efforts under the Civic Action Programme to build stronger police-public relations and encourage youth to pursue productive activities.
Reiterating his message to young people, the SSP said choosing books and sports over drugs was essential for building a healthier society and securing a better future for the next generation.
He said Srinagar Police would continue to support initiatives that encourage young people to discover their talent, develop discipline and contribute positively to society, with the ultimate objective of helping build a drug-free J&K.
