Gorakhpur: Addiction is a serious threat to individuals, families and society and must be eradicated through awareness, self-discipline and positive values, said Prof Vinod Solanki, provincial training chief of Swami Vivekananda Kendra, Uttar Pradesh, while addressing a seminar at Gorakhnath Temple on Friday.The seminar on “Addiction is a Cause of Destruction” was organised on the second day of a week-long conference being held to mark the 57th death anniversary of Brahmaleen Mahant Digvijaynath and 12th death anniversary of Rashtrasant Brahmaleen Mahant Avedyanath.Prof Solanki encouraged the students to study spiritual literature, including the Upanishads, to develop a balanced and meaningful life and emphasised the importance of cultivating a passion for learning, patriotism and preservation of Indian culture instead of harmful habits.Mahant Shivnath Ji Maharaj from Cuttack said that alcohol weakens vital life energy, while substances such as cannabis and tobacco adversely affect concentration and mental strength. Former DDU Gorakhpur University chemistry professor Shivsharan Das said addiction harms physical and mental health, weakens immunity and can lead to social isolation, depression and criminal behaviour.Mahant Brahmachari Laldas Ji Maharaj from Agra highlighted the adverse impact of addiction to intoxicants on memory and learning abilities. Mahant Yogi Mahendranath Ji Maharaj from Rajasthan said bad company was one of the major reasons behind substance abuse and urged youths to choose their associations carefully.Senior resident Prithvinath Singh of Government Medical College, Ambedkar Nagar, described addiction as a medical disorder rather than merely a social evil. He said substance abuse causes long-term changes in brain chemistry, affects decision-making abilities and can have serious consequences for future generations. De-addiction and treatment facilities were being strengthened at medical colleges and district hospitals, he said.The programme was chaired by Gorakshpeeth chief priest Yogi Kamalnath Ji and attended by saints, teachers and students from across the country.
