A day-long awareness programme aimed at strengthening school education and preventing drug abuse was organized at the community hall in Temisgam on April 25. The initiative was a collaborative effort between the LBA Sham Education Committee, LAHDC Leh, Information Department, Health Department, Education Department, and the villagers of Temisgam.

The event was attended by Councillor Tia-Temisgam Constituency LAHDC Leh, Tashi Tundup; Inspector General (Retd.) SSB, Tsering Dorjey; officials from the Health, Information, and Education Departments; members of the LBA Sham Education Committee (SEC); the Nambardar of Temisgam; villagers; parents; and a large number of students from Temisgam.

Councillor Tashi Tundup lauded the organizing committee for holding the important programme and expressed gratitude to all the speakers, resource persons, and departments involved. He encouraged parents and community members to shoulder the responsibility of protecting students from harmful social influences.

Inspector General (Retd.) Tsering Dorjey emphasized the significance of education, the respectful bond between teachers and students, the role of parents, and the importance of maintaining mental health, culture, and Ladakh’s ancient wisdom. He advocated for a holistic educational approach—balancing academics with sports, agricultural practices, ethics, and spiritual learning—to steer youth away from depression, bad habits, and addiction.

Dr. Tashi Tundup, Psychiatrist and Drug De-addiction Specialist at SNM Hospital Leh, provided insights into the drug abuse scenario in Leh, the nature of addiction, the importance of early preventive measures, and timely intervention in mental health issues.

ENT Specialist Dr. Norden Otzer delivered a presentation highlighting the negative impacts of junk food consumption and urged the adoption of eco-friendly and water-conservation practices.

The programme also featured screening two short films on substance abuse, Trapped and Echoes of Redemption, produced by the Information Department. Speaking on the occasion, AE&CO Information Department, Stanzin Wangmo, stressed the importance of awareness among students about the devastating effects of substance abuse and the value of seeking support from family and friends during challenging times.

Throughout the event, Sonam Yangskit, Principal of Government Higher Secondary School Temisgam; Chosan Tundup, chairperson of LBA Sham Education Committee; Dr. Tsering Phuntsog, member of SEC; Tsewang Dorjey, nambardar of Temisgam; Rigzin Namgyal, lecturer at GHSS Khaltse; and other resource persons delivered detailed talks on education, drug abuse prevention, and effective parenting.