Recovered addicts pledge to stay away from substance abuse at Modi birthday event

A de-addiction initiative supported by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment brought together recovered addicts, rehabilitation workers and social organisations in the national capital to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, with participants pledging to remain on the path of mainstream life and away from substance abuse.

The Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry, Government of India, organised the 'Aashirwad Ka Diya' programme at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on 17 September on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday. The event saw participation from social organisations working in the field of de-addiction and rehabilitation, workers from de-addiction centres, and individuals who have overcome addiction and returned to normal life.

Bhagirathi Seva Sansthan had significant participation in the programme. Workers from the Kamkus De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre run by the organisation attended the event, along with former addicts who have completed the treatment and rehabilitation process at the centre. These individuals shared their experiences and conveyed the message that with proper treatment, continuous counseling, family support and the rehabilitation process, it is possible to emerge from the problem of addiction and return to a dignified and normal life.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar led the programme. On this occasion, 'Aashirwad Ka Diya' was lit together with people who have overcome addiction. Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar administered a collective oath to those who have left the path of addiction and are moving forward on the path of mainstream life.

According to the ministry, a key objective of the programme was to bring to the fore the journey of struggle and rehabilitation of people who have overcome addiction, and to strengthen the message in society that it is possible to overcome the problem of addiction through continuous care, treatment and collective support.

Speaking at this grand event, Amitabh Sukul, Director of Bhagirathi Seva Sansthan, said, "De-addiction is not limited to just getting rid of addiction, but reconnecting the individual with the mainstream of family and society is equally important. Kamkus De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre is continuously working with this objective. Such programmes play an important role in building confidence among rehabilitated people and giving society a positive message of de-addiction."

On this special occasion, the organisation also presented a diary based on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar and Dr. Sandeep R. Rathod, Joint Secretary of the Narcotics Control Division of the ministry. The diary contains a detailed account of various types of programmes held in Ghaziabad under the campaign.

The programme underscored the commitment of civil society organisations and the government to address substance abuse through a comprehensive approach that combines medical treatment, psychological counseling, family involvement and long-term rehabilitation support. The event provided a platform for recovered addicts to share their stories of transformation and inspire others struggling with addiction to seek help and embark on their own journey towards recovery and social reintegration.