The weeklong Football Based Intervention Programme for Recovery Addicts under the theme “Goal Beyond Addiction” organized by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District and the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre, Khliehriat and funded through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF)Scheme concluded today at Khliehriat East Futsal Ground, Khliehriat.
The closing ceremony was attended by Rymbai-Khliehriat MDC, Smti. Violet Lyngdoh as Chief Guest in the presence of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO)- Sadar, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Manish Kumar, IAS, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. R. Bareh, Medical & Health Officer in-charge OST Centre, East Jaintia Hills District, Dr J. Nongtdu, Programme Manager, Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Smti. R. Patlong, Waheh Chnong of Khliehriat EastVillage, Shri Kedius Rymbai, students, teachers and others.
In her address during the programme, Rymbai-Khliehriat MDC, Smti. Violet Lyngdoh expressed her gratitude to the office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District for organizing such programmes which serve to create community awareness on drug abuse and also in helping renew the lives of people who have fallen prey to drug abuse even as she expressed hope that such programmes will help the district, state and country as a whole to be able to be free from drug abuse.
While speaking on the prevalence of drug abuse in the district, Smti. Lyngdoh stressed the need for collaborative effortsof all stakeholders including theDistrict Administration, community leaders and associations to combat against the menace of drugs and also urged the studentsgathered at the programme to stay away from any bad influences from their peer groups and further stated that once addicted to substancesincluding drugs,it becomes difficult for individuals to recover from the addiction.
Further, she also said that sports is one of the medicines which can prevent individuals from substance abuse and expressed optimism that through this initiative, many addicts would be able to stay away from drugs and also urged the gathering to stay away from drugs and engage in positive activitiesin their day to day life.
Meanwhile, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO)- Sadar, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Manish Kumar, IAS in his speech highlighted the severe impact of drug abuse on society and family which further leads to societal degradation and stressed on the importance of early intervention to tackle the menace of drugs particularly focusing on the youth. He also applauded the relentless efforts of all the stakeholders particularly the office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) and OST Centre, Khliehriat in tackling the drug abuse problem in the district.
Shri Kumar alsolauded the efforts of Police Department and the BSF in tackling the menace of drugs in the district and also underscored the importance of rehabilitation and creation of sports facilities for the youth to channelize their energy in a positive manner and to motivate them to avoid substance abuse.
During the programme, all dignitaries and attendees of the programme led by Programme Manager, Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Smti. R. Patlong took a pledge to live a drug free life.
After the final futsal match played today, Rymbai-Khliehriat MDC, Smti. Violet Lyngdoh and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO)- Sadar, East Jaintia Hills District, Shri Manish Kumar, IAS and other dignitaries distributed trophies, medals and certificatesto the winning teams and individual award winners.
It may be mentioned that the weeklong Football Based Intervention Programme for Recovery Addicts which started on 29th July 2025 featured a Futsal tournament with six different teams comprising of recovery addicts battling it out which culminated with Blue Team playing against Purple Team in the final match held today where Blue Team emerged as the victor of the tournament. (DPRO, Khliehriat)
