Concerned over the growing number of Muslim youngsters in Mumbai being detained for their involvement in drug peddling, substance addiction and drug-related cases, an NGO is on a reformation drive. Movement for Human Welfare, the NGO conducting the drive, says its action programme is based on research on the social circumstances of youths staying in slums who are involved in such crimes.
Dr Azimmudin, the president of the organisation, says, “We found that teenagers are more prone to drug addiction in slum areas. The reasons are several – parents neglecting them, lack of job opportunities and peer pressure. Substance usage is a temporary way out for such youngsters.”
The NGO conducted its first camp in Mira Road last month where it counselled over 100 students from the area. Partnering the group is reputed psychiatrist Dr Yusuf Macheswala’s team. “We have been counselling several kids in their teens. Our motto is to catch them young. My team of psychiatrists has been associated with several schools and colleges of the Anjuman-Islam. We give lectures and presentations to students on avoiding substance usage,” he says.
Source : http://mumbaiaction.org/2010/02/ngo-to-counsel-young-muslims-against-drugs/