The inclusion of trained school social workers is vital for addressing the rising threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within India's educational institutions. While challenges persist, the potential for impactful change is immense. By empowering social workers and integrating them into school environments, India can effectively tackle this crisis, advancing wellness, disease prevention, and the creation of healthy campuses as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The future of social work within education holds great promise, with far-reaching implications for the nation's health. In today's rapidly evolving world, India's educational institutions face an unprecedented rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, and now digital addictions like gaming. The growing prevalence of these issues among youth presents a major challenge, calling for a well-coordinated prevention strategy within schools and
"Empowering Youth: Building Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions through Community Profiling," Siya Chohan student of UPES, Dehradoon and Nada Volunteer In our late teens, while my friends turned to smoking weed, I stood firm in my decision to abstain. Despite their respect for my choice, I couldn't ignore the toll weed was taking on their health and behavior. Concerned by their growing lethargy and detachment, I took a stand and voiced my worries. Thankfully, they listened, and together, we sought out healthier alternatives like hiking and sports to replace their weed habit. Through open conversations and professional support, we navigated a challenging journey marked by relapses and doubts, but ultimately, persistence led to their recovery. This experience taught me the value of compassion and perseverance in helping others overcome addiction, and it deepened my commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. Reflecting on today's Youth Forum, led by Mr. Shabab Ahmad o