Campaign Against Drugs: Prestigious Textbook on Drug Abuse released at MRSPTU….. |
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Campaign Against Drugs: Prestigious Textbook on Drug Abuse released at MRSPTU….. Bathinda, September 20: In a significant stride towards addressing the escalating menace of drug addiction in Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda, unveiled a comprehensive textbook on Drug Abuse. The book was formally released by Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma at a special ceremony on the university campus. Authored by Prof. Ashish Baldi and Ram Kumar Maheshwari from MRSPTU, along with Dr. Rohit Bhatia from Chitkara University, Rajpura, the textbook is aimed at raising awareness, providing scientific perspectives, and strengthening academic curricula on drug abuse across universities in the state. The book was published by Rudransh Books Private Limited, a reputed publishing house. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sharma described drug abuse as one of the most pressing social challenges confronting Punjab, particularly its youth. “This book will not only serve as a valuable academic resource but also act as a clarion call for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals. It reflects our university’s commitment to tackling real-world problems through research, innovation, and public engagement,” he said. The Vice Chancellor further underlined the pivotal role of universities in shaping awareness, sensitizing students to the perils of substance abuse, and spearheading community rehabilitation programmes. Lead author Prof. Ashish Baldi, recipient of the National Teachers’ Award conferred by the President of India Droupadi Murmu and the Government of India, termed the book a timely and insightful contribution. He noted that it delves into the root causes of substance abuse—ranging from socio-economic distress and peer influence to unemployment and lack of awareness—while blending pharmaceutical science with real-world insights in an accessible style. Co-author Ram Kumar Maheshwari, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, MRSPTU, remarked, “This book is my attempt to provide both scientific understanding and practical solutions. It also comprehensively addresses the syllabus of the subject of drug abuse being taught at MRSPTU and other universities across Punjab.” Extending felicitations to the authors, Dr. Gurinder Pal Singh Brar, Registrar, and Prof. Amit Bhatia, Head, Department of Pharmacy, hailed the initiative as a milestone in academic and social responsibility. Dr. Neeraj Gill, Controller of Examinations, Dr. Pritpal Singh Bhullar, Incharge, University Business School, along with several other faculty members, also graced the occasion. The event underscored the imperative of collective efforts—including robust rehabilitation programmes, sustained awareness drives, and strong community participation—to curb the scourge of substance abuse and safeguard the future of Punjab’s younger generations. Photo Caption: MRSPTU Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, Registrar Dr. Gurinder Pal Singh Brar, Authors Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Baldi and Ram Kumar Maheshwari, along with dignitaries released the textbook at MRSPTU. |