Anti-drug campaign is just beginning, destination is eradication of this curse from society, says M Shafi Madani
Ahmedabad, Feb. 19: Dharmik Souhard Manch Gujarat organized the launch program of its Addiction Relief Campaign at Sardar Memorial Auditorium, Shahibagh here Sunday.
Patron of the Manch and former Chief Secretary of the State P.K. Laheri, speaking from the vantage point, said, “We all have to work hard to make this campaign a success, because the largest number of drug containers are caught and supplied from the port in Gujarat. If we stop this scourge by 2026, the growth of the state can increase to 12 percent.”
Laheri also inspired the audience to work in educational complexes and at the grassroots level.
Shafi Madani, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said, “We are not satisfied with just celebrating the week; it’s our duty to make the entire Gujarat drug-free. Liquor, hashish, drugs and other intoxicants hamper the state’s well-being. Similarly, addiction to pornography has ravaged the youth. Until we remove these evils from society, the development of the state will not be complete.”
The program commenced with Quranic recitation by Rashid Hussain and Shlok recitation by Rishikumars of Bhagwat Vidyapeeth. SIO Ahmedabad star Khalid Qureshi presented a melodious song on communal harmony.
Shakil Ahmad Rajput, Co-Convenor of Religious Harmony Forum, in the welcome speech, elaborated the objectives of establishing the forum.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Gujarat President Dr. Salim Patiwala, in his keynote address, presented the picture of addiction in the country and highlighted the need for the campaign.
Addiction Awareness videos of Reverend Madhav Priyadas (SGVP), Jay Vasawada (Famous Author), Sanjay Rawal (Motivational Speaker), Shivani Didi (Brahmakumaris) of Rajyog and Prof. Salim Engineer, (Vice President of JIH) were launched.
Dignitaries from the associated religious organizations such as Pradeep Maharaj (Anand Ashram), Mufti Abdul Qayyum (Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Gujarat), Rajubhai Christian (AFSA), Mufti Rizwan (National Council, Gujarat) , Reverend Nagin Chohan (a Christian Priest), Bharat Yadav of the Anti-Drug Department, Amil Mustafa (Dawoodi Bohra Samaj), Satnam Singh (Gurudwara Gobindham), Bhikhabhai Amin (Buddhism), Dr Khushbu Ghadiali (Parsi Priest), Aviv Diwakar (Jewish Samaj), Father Korichen, Umashankar Acharya (Arya Samaj) presented their views in their respective unique styles.
The city’s well-known psychiatrist Dr. Partha Vaishnav detailed how addicts are a danger to society, giving several examples.
IIM Research Scholar Dr. Ejaz Sheikh gave a presentation detailing how the number of addicts is increasing in the state. According to the statistics of 2018, Gujarat ranks fifth in the country in terms of addiction. Parents don’t know until children start with inhalers and reach doctors. Among the key speakers, Sunil Guglia, Lions Club Governor; motivational speaker Sanjay Rawal, a well-known activist for drug addiction; Ankur Sharin, professor of IIM presented their views and appealed to people to stay away from the evil of drugs.
Also, Shailesh Patwari, former president of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and trustee of Sadvichar, also advised parents to keep an eye on who their children sit with and where they go.
Arefa Parveen (Convenor Parivar Bachao Samiti, and Assistant Secretary, Women’s Department, JIH) said women suffer the most due to addiction. Women also have the responsibility to identify and stop any drug addiction in their families. Addiction has a very negative effect on the brains of children. Mother is the child’s first teacher, so good manners should be inculcated in children right from early childhood.
The entire program was well managed by Iqbal Mirza, convener of Dharmik Souhard Manch. The people of Vivigha Society attended in large numbers and made the program a success.
The anti-drug campaign will run across the state by JIH, Gujarat from 18th to 25th February 2024.
