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KOHIMA — Emphasising the imperative of safeguarding educational institutions from the impact of drugs, Director Inspector General (DIG) of 5 Sector Assam Rifles, Herjinder Singh, has sought collective action in the fight against the menace.
He was speaking during an anti-drug campaign programme organised by Assam Rifles on Friday at Modern Higher Secondary School in Kohima. He stressed the importance of education as a crucial tool in the fight against drugs and also underscored the importance of empowering the youth to resist substance abuse.
Highlighting the significance of prevention, Singh encouraged the community to stand together by advocating against drug issues and supporting one another responsibly in society.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Singh also underscored the need to raise awareness and take action to create a drug-free society for a brighter future. He has cited alarming statistics of over 6 lakh affected by drugs in Nagaland including minors and females with thousands of recorded deaths annually in the country.
The guest speaker, Anupam Rohit, project head of Recovery Wellness Society, Guwahati, voiced concern about the escalating rate of drug users in Nagaland by emphasising the necessity of drug awareness to combat abuse.
Rohit, formerly a drug addict, dispelled the misconception of drugs being glamorous and cautioned about the destructive impact on lives, families, and society. He asserted that reducing the demand for drugs is essential to curb its supply.
Rohit shared his personal journey, revealing the ease with which even individuals from educated and God-fearing families can fall victim to substance abuse. Despite being a high school topper and a student from Pune educational institution, he recounted the breakdown of his life, emphasising the allure of drugs and their insidious nature.
Rohit detailed the downward spiral of his life by prioritising drug use over exams, engaging in dishonest practices and ultimately losing sight of what constituted genuine fun.
He spoke about the monotonous and unglamorous reality of addiction, highlighting the initial steps of recovery such as the ability to eat and sleep. Encouraging the audience not to succumb to drugs and to avoid a self-destructive path, Rohit shared a poignant poem he had written about living a positive life.
Reigning Miss Nagaland, Hikali Achumi, expressed gratitude to the participants for joining in the efforts to combat the drug epidemic in Nagaland during her speech.
Acknowledging the stigma surrounding drug abuse, she emphasised the need for society to address the issue openly. Highlighting the achievements made by Naga youth in various fields, she called for support in tackling the menace of drugs that threatened values, institutions and the lives of children.
Achumi shed light on the tactics employed by those selling drugs, particularly targeting students to create a network of addiction.
Listing reasons for drug addiction including stress relief, peer pressure and a misguided sense of style, Achumi warned against the vicious cycle that entraps addicted students. She urged the teenagers to understand the irreversible damage caused by drug abuse and emphasised the importance of saying 'No' to drugs.
Achumi passionately urged the students to refrain from drug consumption by stressing the impact on health, future and lives.
Achumi urged the students to say 'No to drugs' and contribute towards building society. In conclusion, Achumi motivated the young generation to live an exemplary life and be role models for the younger generation.
Students of Kohima College, Sazole College, Cross College including Modern Higher Secondary School attended the event.
Other highlights of the event included a health fair organised by Kripa Foundation, a screening of a movie on drug abuse awareness followed by performances by children from Eden Garden Orphanage, Kohima, and cultural songs by the students of Modern Higher Secondary school.
Assam Rifles Pipe Band and Jazz Band also performed during the campaign.