In the rural villages of Himachal Pradesh, the pervasive issue of drug abuse once silently eroded the community’s fabric. Through determined leadership and grassroots initiatives, Lata Devi, a homemaker turned Sarpanch, spearheaded a transformative movement that brought awareness, prevention, and change to five villages, significantly curbing drug use among youth. This article explores her journey, community involvement, and the collaborative efforts that reshaped the outlook of these villages toward drugs and addiction.
A School’s Message Against Drugs
The school playground is busier than usual. Teenagers stand in a half-circle; some hold colorful banners, while others act out a street play. Together, they shout warnings about drugs and call for a better future.
On the edge of the group, 49-year-old Lata Devi watches quietly. She does not clap or interrupt. Instead, she gives a small smile, relieved. She looks at the children’s confidence and their clear message. She sees the change she once only dreamed about.
“I want the youth to be stronger and more focused on building a better future for themselves,” Lata Devi told The Better India. Watching the children now, it seems her dream is starting to come true.
The Drug Problem in Himachal Pradesh
Lata Devi’s district in Himachal Pradesh, along with five villages in her former panchayat, has seen a drop in drug use. But the story started long before this.
In Hamirpur district, drug use started quietly. What began as occasional drinking among young men grew into a bigger problem. By the late 2010s, a cheap and addictive heroin called ‘chitta’ was spreading through villages.
At first, people only whispered about it. Soon, boys started skipping school, becoming aggressive at home. Some even stole from their families to buy drugs. As addiction worsened, some boys died, often in unclear ways.
“There were sudden deaths of young boys, mostly in mysterious ways, probably due to overdose,” said Bhagat Thakur, former Superintendent of Police in the district until late 2024.
Families felt helpless. The problem was invisible because people were scared to speak about it. Children stayed silent, and denial was strong in these close communities.
A Homemaker Notices the Problem
Back in 2014, Lata Devi was a homemaker in a traditional joint family in Hamirpur. She lived largely within her home and followed social rules. That year marked a turning point for her.
She started volunteering with a local NGO called Asha Deep Jan Sanstha. She helped with girls’ education and supported families with their needs.
“We used to help with small things, like school fees and support during marriages. About 70–80 people worked together,” she said.
Through this work, Lata noticed signs of drug abuse at home. She saw aggression, domestic violence, and assaults increasing. She started paying close attention.
At this point, the problem was mainly alcohol and early drug use. But by 2018–19, drugs were coming in large amounts, and many children got addicted.
One story stayed with her: “A boy nearby started taking drugs. He beat his mother. One day, he overdosed and died within two days.” That tragedy made the issue real for Lata.
Starting with Awareness
Lata Devi did not begin with big programs or government help. She started by talking to people.
She used women’s self-help groups and Anganwadi centers to spread awareness. She urged mothers to watch their children carefully, to notice changes and to speak up.
“I told them to take care of their homes; watch children’s habits, friendships, and small changes that often go unnoticed,” she said.
Slowly, these talks grew into action.
She organized small rallies led by women. They sang local songs and shouted slogans in the Pahadi language. Then came street plays showing how drugs destroy lives.
The goal was simple: make the hidden problem visible.
Involving the Children
Lata realized prevention had to start early. She created Bal Panchayats, or children’s councils. These became safe places where students could learn, speak, and get help.
With help from local schools, regular awareness sessions were held without interrupting classes.
Daljit Singh Chauhan, Principal of Government Senior Secondary School, saw the changes.
“Earlier, some children involved with drugs showed aggression, stopped participating, and lost interest in studies,” he said.
At first, many children did not want to join, especially those affected. Parents had to be involved to build trust.
The efforts shifted to regular engagement with skits, street plays, and awareness sessions led by Lata, local women, and students. This became part of school and village life.
Children did not just watch; they performed and discussed. Rallies moved from schools to markets and nearby streets, making the issue known to everyone.
This steady work created a ripple effect. Awareness grew among students and families. Conversations about drugs became open. Dealers grew cautious as the community watched closely.
“Attendance has gone up. Students’ confidence is stronger. The difference from before is clear,” Principal Chauhan said.
Beyond drugs, these sessions addressed peer pressure, safety, and emotional health. Children could talk about problems they didn’t share with teachers or parents.
Leadership and Growing Influence
In 2021, Lata Devi ran for local elections but lost by just six votes.
“People feared I would stop their illegal work if I won,” she said.
She did not give up. She kept building her campaign, growing networks, raising awareness, and gaining trust.
In 2023, she became Sarpanch, the village head. This gave her the power to expand her work.
“When you have the chair, you have the power to act,” Lata said.
She organized regular school sessions, village meetings, parent involvement, and closer work with authorities. Her years of effort were starting to show results.
Working with the Police
With growing community awareness, Lata reached out for official help.
“I wrote to the SP and asked him to visit my panchayat,” she said.
When Bhagat Thakur became Superintendent of Police in 2024, the district started a ‘War Against Drugs’ mission focused on community support and law enforcement.
“Society must be the eyes and ears of the police,” Thakur said.
The plan was to help those affected, prevent new drug users through education, and act against drug sellers using intelligence.
Schools played a key role. They adopted 41 schools and ran steady awareness programs. Helplines for anonymous tips were created.
“People wanted to share info but didn’t want to reveal their identity, and we respected that,” Thakur said.
The police received many reports and acted quickly.
They also changed how they treated drug users.
“Addicted children should be treated as victims who need support, not punishment,” Thakur said.
Visible Progress
From 2023 to 2026, drug-related incidents in Lata Devi’s area fell by about 80%.
More importantly, daily life changed.
“Before, drug use was in the open. Now it has moved into hidden places,” Lata said.
Children who had dropped out of school are coming back. More kids join sports and activities. Families are now more aware and involved.
“Our children are safer now,” she added.
Principal Chauhan also sees change.
“Students focus more on studies and spend more time at home,” he said.
Even the police feel it.
“The biggest success is building trust. People now believe they can fight this problem,” Thakur said.
This is not one person’s work. It is a team effort involving homemaker-led leadership, adaptable schools, responsive police, and a community ready to act.
They built a local awareness network, school prevention efforts, and a strong community-police system.
Most of all, they changed silence into action.
The Future of the Fight
Lata Devi says the fight is not over.
“This is only the beginning. I still have a long way to go,” she said.
Her goal is to keep youth engaged in sports, education, and community activities.
“I want to guide my youth to the right path,” she added.
Bhagat Thakur agrees.
“Police alone can’t solve this. Every parent and individual must take responsibility,” he said.
Principal Chauhan adds, “Change does not happen overnight. With patience and effort, it is possible.”
For Lata Devi, success lies in every child who chooses a better life.
What makes this effort special is its simplicity and ability to be replicated. It does not rely on big money or external groups but depends on local leaders, early school action, involved parents, and trust between police and community.
“If similar efforts start in other places, they can make a big difference,” Chauhan said.
A Lasting Message
Back in the schoolyard, the play finishes. The banners go down, the voices quiet, but the message stays.
For Lata Devi, this message matters most.
“If even ten children improve because of me, that is my reward,” she said.
Real change begins with small, steady courage. One person speaking out, a school listening, and a community refusing to look away. That is how change starts.
