True Change Happens When Communities Stand United: Sinha Speaks During Drug‑Free J‑K Padyatra in Poonch

On a crisp morning in Poonch, a stream of volunteers, students and local elders set off on foot, forming the so‑called J‑K Padyatra – a 150‑kilometre march aimed at stamping out drug menace. The atmosphere was electric, with banners fluttering and a low hum of hopeful chatter as the convoy wound its way through dusty lanes.

Midway through the journey, Sinha, a well‑known social activist, stopped at the central square and addressed the gathering. “True change doesn’t happen in isolation,” he said, pausing briefly as a few children shouted excitedly. “It happens when communities stand united, shoulder to shoulder, refusing to let drugs poison our future.” The crowd responded with a chorus of agreement, some clapping, others nodding slowly – a genuine, almost palpable sense of solidarity.

The region has, unfortunately, seen a steady rise in substance abuse over the past few years. According to a recent health department report, roughly one in every ten youths in the district admits to trying some form of narcotic, a figure that officials fear could climb higher without collective intervention. Sinha reminded everyone that numbers are not just statistics; they are families, friends, and futures at stake.

Local NGOs, schools and religious groups have already begun weaving a safety net. From awareness workshops in classrooms to counselling centres that open their doors after school hours, the community is stitching together a fabric of support. “We’ve organized street‑plays, we’ve set up helplines, and yes, we even hand out pamphlets at tea stalls,” a volunteer laughed, adding that the effort sometimes feels like trying to fill a leaky bucket – but it’s the persistence that counts.

As the padayatra continued toward its final destination, Sinha’s message lingered: real transformation is a marathon, not a sprint, and it requires every hand on deck. He urged the people of Poonch to keep the momentum alive, to speak up, to volunteer, and most importantly, to stay together. The hope is simple – a drug‑free generation built on the strength of an unbreakable community.