Pune Police Launch De-Addiction Week to Combat Drug Abuse Among Youth
Reported by Mubarak Ansari & Sumit Singh
Yerwada, 26th June 2024: Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar emphasized the commitment of the Pune Police to uphold and enhance the city’s reputation as an educational and cultural hub. Speaking at the inauguration of the de-addiction week organized at Genba Moze School in Yerwada, Commissioner Kumar stated that Pune Police is determined to eliminate activities that tarnish the city’s cultured image.
The event, held on the occasion of World Anti-Drug Day, was part of the Nirbhaya Vidyarthi Abhiyan under the Pune City Police Commissionerate. It saw the participation of several dignitaries, including Dr. Mukta Puntambekar, Head of Muktangan Addiction Center; Additional Commissioner of Police Manoj Patil; Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar Magar; Assistant Commissioner of Police Vitthal Dabde; Senior Police Inspector Ravindra Shelke; and former MLA Rambhau Moze, Founder President of Moze Prashala. Members of Nirbhaya Vidyarthi Abhiyan, representatives of social organizations, students, teachers, and non-teaching staff were also present.
During his address, Commissioner Kumar stated, “On World Anti-Drug Day, taking an oath to be free from addiction is not enough. We need active participation from all sections of society, especially school students, to combat drug addiction. Drug-related crimes are on the rise in the city’s slums, and the number of minors involved is increasing. We will take concrete measures to address this significant social problem with the help of social organizations.”
Dr. Mukta Puntambekar highlighted the alarming rise in serious addictions to alcohol and drugs among minors. “Youth are turning to these substances for enjoyment and stress relief, leading to future health problems and mental illnesses,” she said, advising against such harmful behaviors.
Former MLA Rambhau Moze praised the Pune Police initiative and pledged full support from Moze Shikshan Sanstha for the anti-addiction campaign. Journalist Dilip Kurhade, founding member of Nirbhaya Abhiyan, outlined the campaign’s role.
The de-addiction week will feature various activities aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of addiction. These activities, organized by the Pune Police in collaboration with Muktangan Addiction Center and other social organizations, will take place in schools and colleges across the city. As part of the event, students from the Green Tara Foundation performed a street play on de-addiction.
Moderator Vivek Dev concluded the program with a vote of thanks to Nikhil Gaikwad.
