Loreto Convent Tara Hall School, Shimla: A Message of Awareness, Dialogue and Collective Commitment
Shimla, 18 September 2026:
Loreto Convent Tara Hall School, Upper Kaithu, Shimla, organised a special Awareness Workshop and Interactive Session on the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Substance Consumption on 18 September 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The programme was organised under the guidance of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Regional Office, Panchkula, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
The Chief Guest for the programme was Mr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Regional Officer, Central Board of Secondary Education, Regional Office, Panchkula. Mr. Bhushan Lal, Assistant Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education, Sub-Regional Office, Shimla, and Mr. Kundu, Intelligence Officer, Narcotics Control Bureau, Chandigarh Zonal Unit, were also present on the occasion. Mr. Kundu served as the resource person and representative of the Narcotics Control Bureau for the day and provided the participants with valuable information on various aspects of drug abuse and substance consumption.
The awareness session was attended by Principals, senior teachers, school counsellors, and two students each from Classes XI and XII representing various CBSE-affiliated and PM SHRI Schools of Shimla district. Invitations were extended to approximately 70 schools, out of which 42 schools actively participated in the programme. Nearly 300 participants attended this significant awareness session.
The primary objective of the workshop was to sensitise students about the physical, mental, social and educational consequences of drug and substance abuse and encourage them to adopt a healthy, safe and positive lifestyle. The session addressed important aspects such as staying away from drugs, making responsible decisions, dealing positively with peer pressure, and seeking appropriate support whenever required.
An Interactive Session Enriched by Dialogue and Questions
The most significant feature of the programme was its interactive and participatory nature. Principals, teachers and students from different schools actively engaged in the session by raising questions related to drug abuse, substance consumption and preventive measures. Mr. Kundu addressed their queries and provided practical insights based on his experience and expertise. The interactive question-and-answer session made the workshop informative, engaging and relevant to the participants.
The session conveyed the important message that preventing substance abuse is not the responsibility of any one individual or institution. It requires the collective efforts of schools, families, teachers, students and society to create a safe, healthy and drug-free environment.
A Warm Welcome by the School Community
The Secretary of the School Management, Sister Apolina, along with the School Management, Principal Mrs. Ritu Sharma, Headmistress Mrs. Monika Sharma, all the teachers and students of the school, extended a warm and gracious welcome to the Chief Guest, distinguished guests and participants from various schools.
At the conclusion of the programme, Principal Mrs. Ritu Sharma delivered an inspiring address. She encouraged students to stay away from drugs, make positive choices in life and spread awareness among their peers and within society about the harmful effects of substance abuse. She also highlighted the significant role of schools and teachers in nurturing a healthy, aware and responsible younger generation.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mrs. Richa Chauhan, who expressed her gratitude to the Chief Guest, officials of CBSE and NCB, Principals, teachers, counsellors and students from the participating schools. She also thanked everyone whose valuable cooperation contributed to the successful conduct of the programme.
The awareness workshop went beyond merely providing information and emerged as a meaningful platform for dialogue, participation and collective commitment. The active participation of schools highlighted the importance of sustained awareness and collaborative efforts in preventing drug abuse and promoting a healthy society.
The workshop held at Loreto Convent Tara Hall School proved to be a meaningful initiative in encouraging students to make healthy choices, take responsible decisions and become positive agents of change in society.
“Say No to Drugs — Take a Step Towards a Healthy Life; An Aware Youth — The Foundation of a Stronger Society.
