HFADA : A Unified Front Under which Himachali Communities have Joined Hands to Combat Drug Abuse

In a powerful show of unity, a coalition of over 55 social and cultural organizations has come together to tackle the serious issue of drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh. The newly formed Himachal Forum against Drug Abuse (HFADA) is channeling a “collective energy” to protect the state’s communities, especially its youth.

The forum was born from a two-day workshop in Shimla, where 42 different groups laid the groundwork for a widespread campaign. According to HFADA President Deepak Sanan, a former senior IAS officer for the state, the workshop was crucial for building a shared strategy.

“We have all geared up for a joint campaign over the next three to six months,” Sanan explained. “Our initial focus was on capacity building—making sure every organization has a clear perspective and the tools to make a real difference.”

The plan is to engage everyone in the community. The forum is developing specific training modules to effectively communicate with key groups like students, parents, teachers, police, and the judiciary.

To turn this plan into action, HFADA has tasked two experienced organizations with leading the charge. The Kangra-based NGO Gunjan Sanstha and the Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti (HGVS), which played a major role in the state’s literacy campaign, will coordinate the efforts and prepare all campaign materials.

Pankaj Pandit, Director of Gunjan Sanstha, confirmed that tailored materials for different audiences are being prepared to ensure the message resonates widely.

Echoing the sentiment of a true people’s movement, HGVS state secretary Satyawan Pundir stated, “We will bring more organizations on board to make this a mass movement. Our concerted effort is to save our people, particularly our students and youth, from this menace.” This collaboration signals a strong, hopeful step toward a drug-free Himachal.