Himachal unites against substance abuse on World Health Day
- Civil society organizations collectively form Himachal Forum Against Drug Abuse
- More than 31 leading civil service organisations present
- Deepak Sanan Appointed Chairperson of the forum
In a powerful show of solidarity, more than 31 social and civil organizations across Himachal Pradesh have joined hands to combat the rising menace of drug abuse in the state. On World Health Day, these groups came together in Shimla to form the ‘Himachal Forum Against Drug Abuse‘—a unified platform dedicated to raising awareness, supporting victims, and advocating for humane solutions to addiction.
The convention saw participation from prominent figures, including former Additional Chief Secretary Deepak Sanan (who was appointed as the forum’s chairperson), Hans Raj Chauhan, Dr. Kuldeep Tanwar, Eng. Manmohan Verma, Satish Anjum, Prof. Vijay Vir Singh Dogra, and other senior retired officials. Together, they pledged to tackle drug abuse not as a criminal issue, but as a public health crisis requiring empathy, rehabilitation, and systemic change.
A Stand Against Stigma and Punishment
One of the forum’s key resolutions was a firm rejection of punitive measures against addicts and their families. In a unanimous decision, the members resolved:
- No social boycotts of drug users or their families.
- No withdrawal of government benefits-based on addiction status.
- No support for extreme punishments-such as the death penalty, encounters, or property demolition.
Instead, the forum emphasized treatment, rehabilitation, and societal support as the way forward.
Who’s Leading the Charge?
The coalition includes influential organizations such as:
- Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti
- Art of Living Foundation
- Help Age India
- Lions Club
- Gunjan
- Jio Zindagi
- Pehchaan
- Himalya Niti Abhiyan
- YWCA
- Peoples Action Group
- Women Welfare Association
- Himachal Kisan Sabha
- Citizen Forum Sanjauli
- George Institute for Global Health
- Mandi Literacy and Public Developement Committee
- RTDC Palampur
- Pahari Mahila Adhikar Manch
- SFI
- State Resource Centre
- Pensioners Association
- Lok Sanskriti Manch
- Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial Ghanahatti
- HPMRA
- All India Democratic Women’s Committee
…and many more.
Addiction Is a Disease—Not a Crime
- Vijay Kumar, Director of Gunjan , presented a detailed overview of various dimensions of drug issue, sheding light on its current status and discussing root cause and possible solutions.
- Guman Singh from Himalaya Niti Abhiyan stressed on the need to make amendments in the Himachal Anti Drugs Bill.
- Kulvinder Singh from Jio Zindigi stressed on the need of making youth involved in extracurricular activities.
- Prof Joshi highlighted the role of Psycology in substance abuse.
- Satyawan Pundir, State Secretary of the committee, highlighted the alarming spread of drug abuse among Himachal’s youth, calling it a gigantic problem that devastates families and communities.
- Jianand Sharma concluded by saying that all organizations have to come together and fight the drug menace.
A short film on substance abuse was also presented during the event.
The forum firmly believes that addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and must be treated with compassion, not condemnation.
Key Goals of the Forum:
- Shift Public Perception – Advocate for addiction to be seen as a health issue, not a crime.
- Support Affected Families – Reduce stigma and help families seek treatment without fear.
- Demand Stronger Laws Against Traffickers – Push for stricter NDPS Act amendments to punish drug suppliers harshly.
- Expand Rehabilitation Efforts – Strengthen de-addiction centers, counseling, and reintegration programs.
- Youth Engagement & Awareness – Educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse and provide positive alternatives.
A Call for Compassionate Action
The Himachal Forum Against Drug Abuse stands as a beacon of hope—a reminder that the fight against drugs cannot be won through punishment alone. It requires unity, empathy, and systemic change.
As the forum takes its first steps, the message is clear: Recovery is possible, and no one should face this battle alone.
#DrugFreeHimachal #BreakTheStigma #RehabilitationOverPunishment #WorldHealthDay
