The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Shillong, organised an Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme (ICOP) on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong, today. The programme aimed to create awareness among students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promote collective efforts towards building a healthy, responsible and drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, the Principal of Don Bosco Technical School, Fr. Shiningstar Dkhar, welcomed the officials of the Central Bureau of Communication and resource persons for choosing the institution as the venue for the important awareness programme. He emphasised the significance of the initiative for students at this crucial stage of their lives.
The Principal stated that the Government of India has taken up the fight against drug abuse as a collective responsibility, beginning with individual awareness and extending to families, institutions and society as a whole. He highlighted that drug abuse not only destroys the dreams and future of young boys and girls but also adversely affects families and communities.
Sharing his experiences of interacting with young people who had struggled with depression and other challenges, Fr. Shiningstar Dkhar emphasised the importance of understanding their struggles and extending support to those affected. He urged students to listen attentively to the awareness session, understand its message and carry it forward to their friends and family members by becoming ambassadors of a drug-free society.
Shri Bipul Das, DSP Crime, East Khasi Hills, in his address, sensitised students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of making informed and responsible choices.
Highlighting the impact of substance abuse, Shri Das explained that harmful substances can affect various systems of the body, including the brain, heart and lungs. The DSP also addressed common myths surrounding drug use and clarified that most students do not engage in harmful substance use. He cautioned that even small or one-time use of certain substances can pose risks to a developing body and that quitting substance use may become difficult due to changes in brain chemistry.
Speaking about peer pressure, Shri Das urged students to recognise situations where friends or others may influence them to experiment with harmful substances. He encouraged positive peer influence, where friends support healthy choices and motivate each other to stay away from drugs.
He further advised students to remain alert to behavioural changes among friends, including sudden mood changes, loss of interest in usual activities, declining academic performance, frequent absenteeism, secretive behaviour, changes in sleep or appetite and unusual tiredness or dizziness. He encouraged students to approach trusted adults, parents, teachers, counsellors or family members if they or someone they know needs help.
The DSP emphasised that alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes and electronic cigarettes carry serious health risks, particularly for young people. He encouraged students to adopt healthy alternatives such as sports, dance, cycling, art, music, writing and spending time with supportive friends and family. He also stressed the importance of self-confidence, open communication and seeking guidance when faced with difficult situations.
Shri Das called upon students to take a pledge to care for their body and mind, make choices free from peer pressure, speak up clearly and calmly, look out for their friends and seek help from trusted adults whenever required. He urged them to stay informed, maintain healthy habits and become responsible ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The programme also featured interactive awareness activities, including an essay competition and quiz, in which students participated enthusiastically. The participants and prize winners were congratulated for their active involvement and meaningful contributions towards spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The programme reiterated the importance of sustained awareness, individual responsibility and collective action in achieving the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
