CIC chief calls for united action against drug abuse
Doha: R.S. Abdul Jaleel, President of the Centre for Indian Community (CIC) in Doha has, called upon the society for collective efforts to combat the growing menace of drug abuse as it has become as one of the most serious social, economic, psychological, and moral challenges confronting families, communities, and nations across the world.
Inaugurating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day) observance jointly organised by Mediaplus and Mind Tune Ecowaves in Doha he highlighted that drug abuse is no longer an isolated issue affecting a few individuals but has evolved into a widespread social crisis demanding the attention and participation of every section of society. He noted that the increasing incidence of substance abuse among young people poses a grave threat to the future of communities.
Identifying the major factors contributing to drug addiction, he pointed to peer pressure, the absence of positive role models, family disintegration, emotional loneliness, mental distress, and the lack of constructive recreational opportunities. These factors, he said, make young people particularly vulnerable to substance abuse.
He emphasised that the first line of defense against drug addiction begins within the family. “Strong families built on love, trust, open communication, mutual respect, and emotional security can play a decisive role in protecting children and youth from falling into the trap of addiction,” he said.
Abdul Jaleel further called for educational reforms that place equal emphasis on character building, moral values, emotional intelligence, and life skills, rather than focusing solely on academic achievement. Educational institutions, community organisations, religious institutions, and the media, he said, must work together to create a positive environment that nurtures responsible and resilient individuals.
Referring to the modern lifestyle, he observed that loneliness, emotional distress, social isolation, and increasing distractions are silently paving the way for destructive habits and unhealthy lifestyles. Society, he remarked, must strive to restore its natural purity through compassionate, comprehensive, and collective interventions, ensuring that every individual, especially the youth, receives the care, guidance, and support needed to lead meaningful lives.
He urged parents to spend quality time with their children, educators to become mentors beyond classrooms, and community leaders to actively engage in preventive awareness programmes. “Drug prevention is not merely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it is a shared responsibility of families, schools, community organisations, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and every responsible citizen,” he added.
The programme also featured addresses by prominent community leaders and social activists who reiterated the importance of awareness, preventive education, and community participation in combating substance abuse.
Among those who addressed the gathering were R. Chandramohan, President of Pravasi Welfare; Muthalib Mattannur, Chairman of Mind Tune Ecowaves Qatar Committee; Shanu Green Jobs; Uwais Usman; Muhammed Noushad Abu; P. K. Mustafa; Zubair Pandavath; Savitha Deepu; Rafi Parakkattil; and Dr. Amanulla Vadakkangara.
The speakers collectively stressed that creating a drug-free society requires sustained awareness campaigns, accessible mental health support, youth engagement initiatives, family counselling, and strong collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare providers, community organisations, and the media.
The World Drug Day observance concluded with a renewed commitment by the organisers and participants to continue promoting awareness, preventive education, and community-based initiatives aimed at safeguarding future generations from the devastating impact of drug abuse.
