The School of Internal Security and Police Administration (SISPA) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, organized a highly informative and impactful webinar on ANUKAMPA (Compassion) to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on 26^th June 2023. The webinar took place in the hybrid mode, bringing together experts, practitioners, stakeholders, security personnel and participants from various sectors to discuss and explore effective strategies to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The inaugural session was graced by esteemed dignitaries.  Maj Gen Deepak Mehra, Kirti Chakra, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Director of SISPA, delivered the introductory address. His insightful remarks set the tone for the webinar, highlighting the significance of compassion in addressing the challenges posed by drug abuse. Prof (Dr) Bimal N Patel, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of RRU, delivered the inaugural address, capturing the extent of Drug Abuse in India and the world and various international and national laws to tackle the issue. He also emphasized on the commitment of the institution in addressing this critical issue.   Prof (Dr) Kalpesh H Wandra, Hon'ble Pro Vice Chancellor of RRU, presided over the session, emphasizing the role of universities in fostering compassion and addressing drug-related challenges.

The keynote address was delivered by Sh. G.P Singh, IPS, Director General of Police, Assam, who shared his invaluable experiences and emphasized the need for a compassionate approach to effectively tackle drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Sh. G.P Singh's address provided valuable insights and inspired the participants to address this issue with determination and empathy. He mentioned 3 major ingredients in fighting drug abuse:

1. Reducing drug supply through law enforcement agencies

2. Reducing demand by educating the families and the society

3. Reducing harm with the help of Health facilities and De-

addiction programs

His experiential speech captured the work undertaken by the Assam Police over the past year to tackle this issue. Giving the example of seizure of Heroin, he mentioned that in 2023, first six months 100 kgs of Heroin is already busted by Assam Police comparative to 38 kgs busting in 2022. Highlighting the extent of the issue he mentioned that Drug Usage Rate in USA is 20-25% as compared to India which is 7%, however with the population of our nation, 7% turns out to be a catastrophic number and hence the role of the Academic Institutions like RRU for research-based intervention for policy implementation and formulation is the need of the hour. He also suggested that dedicated centre should be set up under RRU to conduct empirical research on the issue which can aid all the agencies in better implementation of the policies.

The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. V.K Srivastava, Head of the Centre for Border Management and Intelligence Studies at SISPA, who highlighted the importance of collaboration and collective efforts by all stakeholders in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Other dignitaries who apprised the session by their video messages were Ms Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director, UNODC, Vienna and Shri Satya Narayan Pradhan, IPS, DG NCB, New Delhi emphasising the role of empathy and compassion while dealing with the victims of Drug Abuse.

The technical sessions of the webinar were equally enlightening and engaging. Mr. Marco Teixeira, the UNODC Regional Representative for South Asia, conducted the first session on the topic of "Exploration of Effective Prevention Methods and Policies to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking." Mr. Teixeira shared his expertise and provided valuable insights into evidence-based strategies and policies to prevent drug abuse and combat illicit trafficking. While presenting the UNODC World Drug Report 2023, Mr Teixeira gave the global perspective to the problem and various preventive methods and policies.

The second session was conducted by Shri S.K Mishra, Zonal Director of the Ahmedabad Zonal Unit, Narcotics Control Bureau. His session focused on "The Negative Impact of Stigma and Discrimination on People who Use Drugs and the Impact on their Families." Shri S.K Mishra discussed the role of education, community engagement, and early intervention in prevention efforts, highlighting the importance of addressing stigma and discrimination in creating a compassionate society.

Dr. Rakesh K Chadda, Professor & Head, Dept. of Psychiatry and Chief, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, conducted the third session on "Health Issues Associated with Drug Abuse and Awareness about Rehabilitation Processes." Dr. Chadda shared his expertise in addressing the health consequences of drug abuse and raised awareness about the rehabilitation processes to support individuals struggling with addiction.

The fourth session was conducted by Dr. Varun Kapoor, IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh, who discussed the "Role of Law Enforcement Agencies in Combating the Menace of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking." Dr. Kapoor emphasized the crucial role of law enforcement agencies in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking and shared insights into effective enforcement strategies.

The day-long webinar witnessed the active participation of over 1000 attendees, including joint sessions attended by various BSF Battalions and NSG Officials. The participants engaged in meaningful discussions, exchanged ideas, and gained comprehensive knowledge on combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The number of questions fielded after each session showed the keen interest of the participants in the matters related to Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Also, the entire event by covered by the national media taking the message of ANUKAMPA (Compassion) to every nook and corner of the nation. 

The webinar ANUKAMPA (Compassion) on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking successfully created a platform for experts, law enforcement agencies, academia, and civil society to come together and address this pressing global issue. The event fostered collaboration, raised awareness, and highlighted the importance of compassion in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

YP/GP/JD

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