Ambernath: When lavish birthday parties and public celebrations are the norm, a politician in Ambernath has bucked the trend by organising a de-addiction camp to help victims of substance abuse on his birthday.

The camp, held on the occasion of former corporator Subhash Salunkhe’s birthday, was organised by Samvad Foundation.

However, the high point of the event was Sameer Wankhede, IRS officer, who delivered a powerful address on narco-terrorism and drug awareness. “Every rupee spent on drugs may indirectly fuel terrorism and organized crime. Drug abuse not only destroys individual lives but also endangers national security. Young people must understand that drugs are not just illegal they’re a weapon used to destabilize our society,” he said.

Wankhede shot to fame after he arrested actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan in a drugs case. Following the incident Wankhede was transferred from his posting at the Directorate General of Analytical Risk Management in Mumbai to the Directorate General of Taxpayers Services in Chennai. The Central Administrative Tribunal set aside the order.

provided in-depth awareness on the legal consequences and health risks of substances like ganja, MD powder, cocaine, and white cigarettes. He appreciated the initiative, stating that Subhash Salunkhe is one of the few public representatives to take such a bold step against addiction.

The event also featured a powerful session by renowned de-addiction expert Dr Krishna Bhavle who spoke about the physical and emotional impacts of addiction and explained how Ayurvedic treatment can help achieve 100 per cent recovery.

Speaking at the event, Salunkhe explained the rationale for organising the event. “Rather than celebrating my birthday with fanfare, I wanted to invest in something meaningful. Addiction destroys families this camp is a small step to restore them.”