The office of the District Social Welfare Officer in collaboration the District Administration, West Jaintia Hills, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Jowai observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking with the closing programme held Ladthadlaboh Indoor Sport Hall, Jowai marking the culmination of the month long Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan campaign. Under the theme, “A national Movement towards a Drug free India” and “Breaking the Chain, Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All.” Throughout the month, various activities including rallies, marathons, competitions, educational outreach, street play were conducted in collaboration with schools, college and community leaders to engage youth and the public in the fight against substance abuse.
Present at the programme were Smt. D V Lyngdoh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Additional Superintendent of Police Ishan Gupta, IPS, District Social Welfare Officer Smt. Y. Najiar.
Speaking on the occasion Smt. D V Lyngdoh, Additional Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of collective awareness and unity in tackling the issue of drug abuse. She reminded everyone that June 26 is observed worldwide every year to raise awareness about the serious problems caused by drug abuse and Illegal trafficking.
Lyngdoh shared that the district had been observing the day throughout the month of June, involving students in various activities, such as drawing competition, painting, awareness and a marathon and the winners were awarded.
She encouraged the students to take the pledge seriously and live by it. He reminded the young students to play a vital role in creating a drug free society and urged everyone to be part of the solution.
Addressing the students, Additional Superintendent of Police Ishan Gupta, IPS described adolescence as a defining stage of life, emphasizing the importance of making informed and positive choices. He cautioned students about various influences they are likely to encounter during these formative years and emphasized the importance of remaining focused and resilient.
Gupta spoke about the dangers of drug abuse, calling it a growing threat not only to individuals but to society at large. “Drug use is not merely a bad habit; it is a trap laid by powerful criminal syndicates” he warned.
He explained that addiction is more than repeatedly pleasure seeking, it alters the brain’s neural networks, making it increasingly difficult to break free. Shri. Gupta encouraged the youths to cultivate positive addictions to sports, arts, education, community and career goals.
Shri. Ishan Gupta urged the students to be role models in their own right, and to stand against drugs and help build a safer and healthier society.
Smt. Y. Najiar, DSWO highlighted the key objectives of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. She emphasized that the observance serves as a platform to educate the public, support preventive effort and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.
She spoke about the National Nasha Mukt Abhiyan launched on August 15, 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The campaign, she said, is built on three core pillars: Prevention, treatment and rehabilitation and Community engagement. She underlined the importance of involving families, institutions and especially the youth, whose energy and determination are crucial to achieving drug free society.
Najiar called for collective action, urging communities and individuals to unite and to work together to break the chains of addiction. She encouraged everyone to take a pledge to make the district, state and Nation free from the menace of drug abuse.
Shri. Barry L Kharmalki, General Secretary, Meghalaya State network of Positive People, Shillong a positive role model shared his personal journey of struggle and recovery and transformation. He motivated the students to make a wise choice and to have the courage to say ‘NO’ not only to drugs, but to all forms of harmful influences and societal menaces that can derail their future.
As part of the observance, a signature campaign was conducted allowing students, and all those attending the programme to pledge their support for a drug free society. The office had also conducted a drawing competition as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan campaign and the winners were felicitated during the programme.
The program was chaired by Smt. S M Lamare, Gender Specialist DHEW, welcomed by Smt. Y. Kyndiat, Gender Specialist DHEW and concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri. H.Dkhar, Member and Rted. Assistant Commandant of 3rd Battalion.
