Legal Awareness Initiative Promotes Mental Health & Substance-Use Awareness in Bhiwa
Bhiwandi, September 2, 2025:
An educational and collaborative initiative focusing on mental health, substance-use disorders and legal awareness was conducted at The Pathway Foundation Rehabilitation & Wellness Centre, with the participation of Shivajirao S. Jondhle College of Law, Vidhi Seva Manch and Kongaon Police officials.
The visit was aimed at developing a deeper understanding of mental health concerns and Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and highlighting the importance of early intervention, rehabilitation, community support and compassionate approaches toward individuals affected by addiction.
The visiting delegation from Shivajirao S. Jondhle College of Law, led by Principal Dr. Poornima Eknath Surve, along with Advocate Vishal Bhoir, Secretary, Vidhi Seva Manch, and police officials, interacted with the team at The Pathway Foundation.
The session was oriented by Dr. Manish Shukla, Founder & Director, The Pathway Foundation Rehabilitation & Wellness Centre, who discussed various dimensions of substance-use disorders, their psychological and social impact, the importance of timely intervention and the role of families, educational institutions, law-enforcement agencies and the wider community in supporting recovery.
The interaction also emphasised that addiction should be approached not merely as a legal or social issue, but as a complex problem requiring awareness, psychological support, rehabilitation and sustained community involvement.
A significant outcome of the initiative was the commitment toward legal support and collaboration for substance-use-disorder awareness programmes in schools and colleges across the city. Such collaboration can help young people understand the risks associated with substance use and encourage early help-seeking.
The initiative brought together professionals from law, policing, education and mental-health rehabilitation, demonstrating the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in building a healthier and safer community.
Dr. Poornima Eknath Surve, Principal, Shivajirao S. Jondhle College of Law; Advocate Vishal Bhoir, Secretary, Vidhi Seva Manch; and Dr. Manish Shukla, Founder & Director, The Pathway Foundation Rehabilitation & Wellness Centre, were among the key contributors to the initiative.
The programme concluded with a shared commitment toward strengthening legal awareness, community collaboration, substance-use awareness, educational engagement and mental-health support.
Together for a Drug-Free & Mentally Healthy Community.
Event: Educational Visit & Collaborative Initiative
Focus: Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders Awareness
Venue: The Pathway Foundation Rehabilitation & Wellness Centre, Bhiwandi
Date: 3 September 2025
Time: 10:00 AM