DOIMUKH, 1 Aug: Over 600 students, teaching and non-teaching staff, and youth volunteers took a collective pledge to stay drug-free and act as awareness ambassadors during a drug awareness programme organised by the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Northeast Regional Centre (RGNIYD-NERC) at the GHSS here on Friday.
Aligned with the national vision of youth empowerment, the event centred on the theme ‘Nasha Mukti Yuva, Sashakt Bharat’.
During the technical sessions, Papum Pare SP Taru Gusar provided an overview of the legal framework governing drug trafficking, and the strict consequences under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
He emphasised the pivotal role of youths in reporting illegal activities and in building a drug-free society. Senior counsellor of Kripa Foundation, Kenjom Doji,explained the psychological and physical impacts of substance abuse. Through interactive discussions and real-life case examples, he explained how to recognise early signs of addiction and access rehabilitation and de-addiction support.
During the inaugural session, youth leader Nabam Tado urged the students to take ownership of their future and actively resist “societal pressures” vis-à-vis substance abuse.
The school’s vice principal said this was the first event of such scale and depth. He expressed appreciation to the RGNIYD-NERC and welcomed future collaboration for youth development.
Training associate Liter Riba also spoke.
As part of the event, youth volunteers presented a theatrical performance, portraying the personal, familial, and social consequences of drug dependence.
Later, a quiz session was conducted to test the students’ understanding of the information shared during the technical sessions.
During the closing ceremony, Assistant Professor Kaustav Chakraborty presented a brief on the RGNIYD’s mandate and ongoing youth empowerment initiatives across the Northeast region.
In Upper Siang district, NGO Sikiing Kojee Charitable Society (SKCS) organised the ‘Nasha Mukti Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ programme at Royal Siang School in Yingkiong on Saturday.
The programme was held under the theme ‘Create, Perform and Inspire’, with the objective of creating awareness among youths about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
The event featured a series of vibrant cultural and skit performances, poetry recitations, painting, and poster-making competitions centred on the theme of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’, encouraging young participants to express their commitment towards a drug-free society through creativity and art.
Addressing the participants, District Information & Public Relations Officer Yalik Jerang urged students to stay away from drugs, adopt healthy lifestyles, and become responsible citizens dedicated to nation-building.
She stressed that quality education, discipline, and strong moral values are the foundations to become a good human being and responsible person.
She also administered Nasha Mukt Bharat pledge to all the participants.
She commended SKCS chairperson Dr Mity Jopir Apang and her team for organising the programme.
Dr Apang in her address informed that the programme was organised in partnership with and under the guidance of the district youth officer. She stated that, as part of the campaign, youth enrolment on the designated portal is being carried out on a mission mode to ensure maximum participation and outreach across the district.
She also reiterated the SKCS’ commitment to supporting the Government of India’s vision of building a healthy, empowered, and drug-free youth population.
Royal Siang School teacher P Lama apprised the students of the harmful effects of drugs, and urged them to stay away from “such unwanted habits.” (With DIPRO input)
