Himalayan High and Lows | Drug Addiction and Himachal’s Youth

July 1, 2024
By  Jyoti Jangra

Chetan Shyam, a 27-year-old from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, was a bright student inspired by his revered grandfather. His life took a drastic turn when he first consumed ‘bhaang,’ a locally popular cannabis derivative, as a child. In Himachal Pradesh, where cannabis cultivation and consumption are culturally ingrained, drugs are easy money and a gateway to more dangerous substances. Chetan also spiralled into synthetic drug addiction, abandoned his education, and turned to drug peddling to sustain his habit, leading to his social downfall. He believes societal shame on addicts perpetuates their struggle, driven by a system of greed involving locals, complicit police, drug mafias and politicians.