Kathua admin hosts live telecast of CM’s inaugural address for 3-day awareness programme

• DC Rajesh Sharma urges students to develop positivity in behaviour

KATHUA: District Administration Kathua today hosted the live telecast of the inaugural ceremony of the Three-Day youth Awareness Programme, an initiative of the School Education Department, formally inaugurated by Chief Minister J&K Omar Abdullah from Convention Centre Jammu.

The live broadcast was arranged here in the Auditorium Hall of Government Degree College (GDC) Women. The Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma presided over the session.

The event was coordinated under the supervision of Chief Education Officer Kewal Krishan. The schools from across the district participated in the inaugural day event. The three-day awareness programme focuses on key themes including mental health, drug de-addiction, career counselling, traffic awareness and environmental protection.

On Day 1, the inaugural and technical sessions were held, during which students attended awareness workshops and expert lectures delivered by resource persons on the identified themes. The participants also listened to the address of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo during the live telecast.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted that all five themes—mental health, drug de-addiction, career counselling, traffic awareness and environmental protection—are crucial in shaping the lives of young students. He emphasized that children at the school-going age are best placed to understand and imbibe the difference between right and wrong, thereby evolving into responsible citizens.

He called upon students to actively avail this opportunity for learning and adopt positive behavioural changes. Stressing collective responsibility, he urged students and all stakeholders to unite in the fight against the drug menace and contribute towards building a healthier, safer and more aware society.

During the three-day programme, a series of activities including lectures on career counselling, mental health and environmental protection are being conducted. On April 09, events such as debate and painting competitions based on the themes will be organized, while on April 10, awareness lectures and a rally will be held at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Boys Kathua.

Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner Surinder Mohan Sharma, RTO Surinder Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer, Principal GDC Women Kathua, Dr. Jaipal Singh, Principal GHSS Nagri, Mangal Singh, District Social Welfare Officer, District Information Officer, DEPO, officials of the School Education Department and a large number of students were present on the occasion.