It is truly a tragedy that just a few years ago, the very word “nasha” (intoxication) was unfamiliar to the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. Today, it echoes in every street, every home, and every government meeting. The region once known for its spirituality, learning, and cultural refinement now finds itself sinking into the darkness of addiction. The youth — once hailed as the hope and strength of the nation — are increasingly falling prey to this curse, destroying not only their own lives but also the fabric of society itself.
The poison of drugs has quietly crept into our homes. What was once a hidden issue in a few corners of society has now spread from bustling towns to the remotest villages. While police often claim to arrest dozens of drug peddlers and seize narcotics daily, the real masterminds — the ones who run this deadly trade — remain untouched. The question is: why can’t law enforcement reach these powerful networks? Are the hands of the law truly so short, or is there a deeper lack of will and integrity?
This growing menace cannot be separated from the social and economic turmoil around us. Unemployment, mental stress, and political instability have all contributed to this dangerous drift. When dreams shatter, when opportunities vanish, and when hope fades, people — especially the youth — seek escape. Tragically, that escape today comes in the form of drugs.
In homes across the region, mothers pray day and night for their sons’ safety, only to see them return as lifeless bodies. Fathers, once filled with pride and ambition for their children, now shoulder their coffins. These are not distant stories — they are grim realities unfolding around us.
The government’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” (Drug-Free India Campaign) is indeed a commendable initiative. Awareness camps, street plays, and school programs have helped start a conversation. But banners and slogans alone cannot end this epidemic. Real change demands joint action — from parents, teachers, religious leaders, police, politicians, and the community as a whole.
The police must focus not just on small arrests but on dismantling entire networks. Politicians must stop using the issue for publicity and start implementing concrete measures. Society must shed its silence and stigma — addiction is not just a crime, it’s a cry for help.
Most importantly, parents need to recognize that their children are growing up in a hyper-connected yet emotionally fragile world. They must rebuild trust with their children, listen to them, and guide them — not through fear, but through compassion and understanding.
If we continue to ignore this growing danger, the consequences will be devastating. Drug addiction is not merely a personal tragedy — it’s a national emergency. It erodes the moral core of society and cripples the future of our nation.
This is the moment for honest introspection. Every individual — from parents to teachers, from social workers to religious leaders — must take ownership of their role in this battle. Change will not come from blame, but from collective will and consistent effort.
If we fail to act now, history will not forgive our silence. The youth who are our nation’s strength today could become its greatest loss tomorrow.
The time for speeches has passed. The time for action is now. Before it is too late — before the darkness becomes irreversible — we must rise together to reclaim our future.DD
