Network for Peer led Drug and Alcohol Prevention

At Jeewandhara , we often say that recovery is not a destination—it is a journey walked together. And sometimes, the strongest guides on this journey are those who have walked the hardest paths themselves. This is the story of Karamveer —a Karamveer in the truest sense , a doer, a survivor, and today, a quiet pillar of strength for others. 🌿 From Pain to Purpose Karamveer’s journey began decades ago, not in comfort, but in struggle. As a young man navigating addiction, he found his way to Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation , where recovery was not just about abstinence—but about rebuilding life, identity, and dignity. Under the mentorship of Suneel Vatsyayan , Karamveer didn’t just recover—he transformed. What he found there was something deeper: A community that believed in him A model rooted in empathy, not judgement And a new role—as someone who could help others heal 🤝 The Power of Peer-Led Healing Long before “peer-led models” became a recognized approach, Kara...

Nada India Foundation, with its commitment to peer-led interventions, is working to integrate the TB Mukt Bharat campaign into peer-led drug rehabilitation centers. This initiative acknowledges the double challenge faced by people living with addiction—where tobacco use is often underestimated compared to illicit drugs, despite its significant role in increasing vulnerability to tuberculosis (TB) infection. By bringing TB awareness, screening, and prevention strategies into these centers, Nada India aims to address the critical gap in health services for individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). The approach focuses on: Peer-led TB Awareness: Educating individuals in rehabilitation about the risks of tobacco and drug use in TB transmission. Early Screening & Linkages: Ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment of TB among people in recovery. Tobacco & Drug Cessation Support: Strengthening rehabilitation programs to include integrated cessation strategies for both...

  Reflecting on Navjyoti’ s impactful journey and the legacy of its UNODC project, I’m inspired by how it brought together experts and communities to create transformative change. Yesterday, with Anuj and over 120 participants, I revisited these milestones, realizing their relevance today—especially as Nada India continues this mission, addressing how #TB and #NCDs disproportionately impact drug users. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how peer-led initiatives like these can be a learning opportunity for psychiatric social workers and public health professionals. Let’s also shine a light on the vital role of peer counselors in bridging service gaps and creating sustainable solutions. Your insights mean a lot to me. Join the conversation! Let’s explore how these stories can inform and inspire our collective work for healthier communities.  vsuneel@gmail.com 

A report prepared with the support of Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan, Chairman Nada India Foundation  Chicago, Illinois April 18, 2014       I was first introduced to the therapeutic community modality supported by the Nada India Foundation in the late summer of 2011. During that summer I had been living and working in Delhi as an interim teacher at a local school. My host family, who were wonderfully welcoming and generous, introduced me to local leaders in the community development world, which eventually led to a meeting with Suneel Vatsyayan.       Needless to say, from my first interaction with Mr. Vatsyayan and the Nada India Foundation, I was greatly impressed with its scope of services, and admired the commitment to its mission. Through our first discussions, Mr. Vatsyayan and I both realized our ability to tackle a common goal. I had been trained as an historian in graduate school, and he was hoping to...

Mobilising communities with the help of recovering peer educators and women for drug abuse prevention….. case study by Suneel vatsyayan presented at UNODC function in Delhi 23 rd  June 1997 It is interesting that theme for that year`s  International Day against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking ,that is 26 th of June, 1997 is community mobilization for drug prevention ,at time Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation when Navjyoti was involved in major community mobilization programmes. In this context, what happened on 21 st march ,97 at village Bakkerwla in west Delhi ,is significant. Two recovering addicts from this village Dayanand and Karamveer ,celebrated their recovering birthdays at a public function ,under auspices of Navjyoti gratitude club  .the gratitude club was started by recovering addicts of Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation. It is their own efforts after having been freed  from deadly clutches of drug addiction, these courageous feel solemn responsibi...