KATHMANDU: Despite the bandh on June 26, many youngsters had come to Basantapur to be a part of the different programmes organised to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was organised by Recovering Nepal (RN) in association with Ministry of Home Affairs. Chief Secretary of the government Bhoj Raj Ghimire was the chief guest.

Meraz Roshan Khan from RN said, “Previously only bureaucrats celebrated this day, now even drug users are celebrating it, trying to remove the negative mentality that society holds towards them and fighting for advocacy of drug-users. We believe that it is people who have faced the problems who need to take the leadership and the state should act as their guardians. Even today so many ex-drug users have come together to share their experiences and let people know that changes are possible.”

The event covered various issues like providing information about necessary substitutes for drug users, rehabilitation, social integration among others. Different organisations had put up various stalls that provided information and counselling to people. SangSangai was an illustrative and informative display, and an art exhibition.

A play by Himalayan Theater Group was also staged that dealt with the problems that drug users and those related to them face like being discarded by society, the health hazards they face, resorting to stealing and lying to loved ones. It also showed that all that these drug users required was love and support from those around them to bring a positive change in their lives.

And to make the event even more exciting, prominent names in the music field entertained youngsters while giving positive messages too. It was quite an evening as Rock sitar featuring Bijay Vaidya took the stage and played some awesome music which sent the youngsters in a huge frenzy. And to add the enthralling ambience it was Robin and the New Revolution that had everyone shouting at the top of their voices. It was then time for the crowd to sing along with The Axe Band. Cobweb and Catch 22 also performed.

The number of people kept increasing as the evening set in, and there were almost 10,000 music lovers who were revelling in the music.