With the aim of raising awareness, honour champions in the fight against drug abuse and in order to stand together for a healthier and drug free society, the office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District and Hima Sutnga Youth Federation (HSYF) today observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Sutnga Elaka Dorbar Hall, Sutnga, East Jaintia Hills District.
This year’s celebration was attended by Chairperson, Committee on Empowerment of Women of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly &Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla as Chief Guest in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Shivansh Awasthi, IAS, Superintendent of Police, Shri Giri Prasad, IPS, Additional Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri S. Paslein, MPS, Public Prosecutor, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri S. Pdang, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. Rica Bareh, Medical Officer, in-charge Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), East Jaintia Hills District, Dr J. Nongtdu, Programme Manager, Mih-Myntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Smti. R. Patlong, President of Hima Sutnga Youth Federation (HSYF), Shri Nangbah Nongtdu, students and others.
In her address as Chief Guest, Chairperson, Committee on Empowerment of Women of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly & Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla while stating that the issue of drug abuse is a critical issue at the state and national levels commended the efforts of relevant stakeholders in the combined fight against drug abuse particularly the Police Department for their tireless efforts in combatting the menace.
Smti. Shylla also stated that there is a need for organizing similar programmes in different parts of the district in order to raise community awareness on the issue even as she impressed upon public representatives, traditional heads and others to partake in the fight to contain the menace of drugs.
Addressing students present on the occasion, Smti. Shylla stated that the effect of drugs hampers one’s health, family and the society further urging them to refrain from discrimination and stigmatization of victims of drug abuse while also taking the occasion to appeal to students to say no to drugs and to consult family member and elders for any issues and concerns in their day to day life.
Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Shivansh Awasthi, IAS in his address stated that the Government of Meghalaya under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma has launched the DREAM mission which is a multi-pronged mission which includes the prevention of drugs, awareness creation drives as well as rehabilitation.
Shri Awasthi also said that the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District is doing its bit in tackling the issue mentioning that in the last winter, Winter Camps were organized in around 15 schools of the district featuring participation of over 2500 students during which students were given awareness not just on the issue of drugs but to engage the mind of the youths in different activities. He also stated that sporting infrastructures including Futsal Grounds are being built under DMF as part of the efforts to encourage the youths to engage in sporting activities.
Shri Awasthi on the occasion also sought the co-operation of different stakeholders including community leaders, faith-based organizations, youth groups, NGOs, parents, teachers and students in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
During the programme, all the dignitaries and attendees led by Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Giri Prasad, IPS took a pledge to combat drug abuse and maintain a drug-free life.
Recognizing their efforts in the fight against drug abuse, Programme Manager, MCSWA, Smti. R. Patlong and her team & Medical Officer, in-charge Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), East Jaintia Hills District, Dr J. Nongtdu and his team were felicitated by the dignitaries for their outstanding contribution to the cause of a drug-free society.
Earlier in the day, during the Awareness & Education Session of the programme, Additional Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri S. Paslein provided valuable insights on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 dwelling on the aims &objectives, provisions and punishment under the Act, Medical Officer, in-charge Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), East Jaintia Hills District, Dr J. Nongtdu gave a talk on the Effects of Substance Abuse while Programme Manager, MCSWA, Smti. R. Patlong spoke on HIV AIDS & Drug Abuse.
Among others who also spoke during the programme include District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. Rica Bareh and President, Hima Sutnga Youth Federation (HSYF), Shri Nangbah Nongtdu.
Other highlights of the programme include awareness on drug abuse in the form of Short Skits performed by Mega Funand Syrleiñ Secondary School, Jalaphet as also asong by students of Syrleiñ Secondary School, Jalaphet. On the occasion, prizes were also distributed to winners of the Reels and Hashtag Competitions organized as part of the observation. In the Reels Competition, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes were bagged by Mayal Bareh, Rivaldo Shadap and Jasmine Dkhar respectively while in the Hashtag Competition, the 1st prize was won by Hame Salahe, the 2nd prize by Pynyoomiki Dkhar and 3rd prize by Diego S. Suchen.
