Leh, May 28, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Social & Tribal Welfare Department, UT Ladakh, Smt. Nidhi Malik, accompanied by Director, District Social Welfare Department, Dr. Zahida Bano, and Manager-cum-Incharge, Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre (DDAC) Leh, Ms. Nilza Angmo, visited Mahabodhi and held a detailed meeting with Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena to discuss measures aimed at strengthening rehabilitation and care facilities for individuals affected by substance abuse in Ladakh.
During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held regarding the growing concern of drug addiction and substance abuse among the youth and the urgent need for creating a well-equipped and supportive rehabilitation environment in the region. Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena highlighted that drug addiction has emerged as a serious social challenge affecting families and communities, and stressed the importance of collective efforts by government institutions, social organizations, and community leaders to address the issue effectively.
Reaffirming Mahabodhi’s commitment towards social welfare and humanitarian service, Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena assured full cooperation and support for shifting the Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre (DDAC) Leh to the Mahabodhi campus. He stated that the initiative would help provide a peaceful, supportive, and recovery-oriented environment for individuals undergoing rehabilitation and treatment.
During the visit, Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena also showed the proposed space identified for accommodating DDAC Leh within the Mahabodhi campus and discussed the facilities that could be made available for the smooth functioning of the centre.
Administrative Secretary Smt. Nidhi Malik appreciated the support extended by Mahabodhi and emphasized the importance of strengthening rehabilitation infrastructure and counselling services in Ladakh to address the increasing challenges posed by substance abuse. She directed the DDAC Manager to immediately initiate the necessary formalities and procedural requirements for shifting the centre in a timely and coordinated manner.
The meeting further discussed the need for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the concerned authorities and Mahabodhi at the earliest to facilitate the smooth implementation of the initiative. Both sides expressed their commitment towards working collaboratively for the welfare, rehabilitation, and social reintegration of individuals affected by drug addiction in Ladakh.
