Through her deep involvement with the Nasha Mukti Kendra in Malviya Nagar, Shanti Devi has dedicated her life to rescuing individuals trapped in the dark cycle of addiction. With nothing but grit, compassion, and a deep understanding of social challenges, she has become a guiding force in the rehabilitation landscape of Delhi. Her work proves that change begins not just with policy—but with people who care deeply.

Recognizing the Hidden Crisis

Shanti Devi began her activism in the late 1980s when drug abuse among youth started to quietly rise in Delhi’s lower-income neighborhoods. While the issue remained invisible to many, she saw the damage first-hand—broken families, joblessness, crime, and rising health issues. It wasn’t just the addicts who suffered, but entire families and communities.

She decided to act—not through condemnation, but by creating safe spaces where individuals could recover without shame.

Building Bridges to Recovery

Shanti Devi’s early efforts were based on trust-building. She visited slums, spoke with addicts on the streets, and worked with families who had long given up hope. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life helped her earn credibility and build the foundation for effective rehabilitation programs.

She strongly advocated for the need to humanize treatment. Her model focused not only on detox but also on psychological healing, job training, and emotional resilience. With time, her methods were adopted by several centers, including the highly regarded Nasha Mukti Kendra in Malviya Nagar.

Innovative Rehabilitation Techniques

Shanti Devi was one of the first to introduce a community-centric approach to rehabilitation. She believed that recovery couldn’t happen in isolation. At her direction, centers began involving families in therapy sessions, organizing group workshops, and hosting post-recovery check-ins.

She also pioneered the use of cultural therapy—like music, dance, storytelling, and art—to help patients reconnect with their inner selves. Her philosophy was clear: addiction recovery should be a journey of rediscovering life, not just avoiding substances.

Empowering Former Addicts

One of her most impactful contributions has been empowering former addicts to become mentors and counselors. Shanti Devi saw value in lived experience and created programs where recovered individuals could guide newcomers. This peer-support system significantly boosted recovery rates and gave many a renewed sense of purpose.

Extending the Legacy

Following the principles she championed, the Nasha Mukti Kendra in Anand Vihar has emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking to rebuild their lives. By incorporating personalized care, community involvement, and long-term support strategies, the center mirrors the vision that Shanti Devi spent her life developing. Her legacy continues to inspire everyone who walks through its doors in search of healing and a second chance.