ITANAGAR, 17 Sep: The fight against drugs must become a people's movement in which families, educational institutions, and the community join hands with a shared sense of responsibility, said Governor KT Parnaik.
He said this during a felicitation programme held at the Lok Bhavan here on Thursday for the winners of the declamation and painting competitions organised earlier under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The competitions were conducted by the governor's secretariat at the initiative of the governor, in support of the prime minister's nationwide call to eradicate the menace of drugs and build a healthier, stronger and more responsible society.
In his address, the governor described drug abuse as one of the most serious social challenges confronting the nation today. He said that every aware citizen has a vital role in protecting society from the destructive impact of substance abuse.
The governor said that, recognising the gravity of the challenge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the fight against drug abuse a national movement. He said that "if the people of Arunachal Pradesh truly wish to honour the prime minister on his birthday, the most meaningful tribute would be to translate words into action by committing themselves to a drug-free society."
The governor stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy, and urged all stakeholders to remain alert to early signs of substance abuse. He also advocated the use of technology and intelligence-based monitoring systems to curb the movement and distribution of narcotic substances.
Terming the competitions' winners and participants "ambassadors of a noble cause," Parnaik urged them to carry the message of a drug-free Arunachal to every corner of the state. He asked them to use their voice, creativity, influence and leadership to inspire others.
In the painting competition for school students, Paktu Dui and Prasanjit Das of Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1, Naharlagun secured the first and second prize, respectively, and Subrojit Das of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Chimpu, secured the third place.
In the declamation competition for colleges and universities, Ephesia Tatung of Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat won the first prize, while Sangi Tayang of Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College, Itanagar and Dorjee Lhamu of Dorjee Khandu Government College, Tawang secured the second and third prize, respectively.
The governor also presented participation certificates to all contestants in recognition of their commitment to the cause. (Lok Bhavan)
