Nagaland marks NMBA 5th anniversary with pledges, competitions

DIMAPUR — Awareness programmes, pledge ceremonies, and competitions marking the fifth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) were held across multiple districts of Nagaland on Wednesday.

The events aimed to raise awareness on substance abuse, promote preventive measures, and reaffirm commitment to building a drug-free society.

Dimapur: The Department of Social Welfare, Dimapur, in collaboration with Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Lengrijan, organised an awareness programme in Dimapur and an NMBA pledge, led by Keneikesangulie Zumou, district programme officer (DPO) of the Social Welfare Department, Dimapur.

Highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse, T Meren Jamir, residential counsellor at ICRA Prodigals Home, Dimapur, delivered a talk on the theme “Say no to drugs, say yes to life”. He urged students to choose healthy lifestyles and work together to eliminate drug abuse from society.

Jamir also encouraged them to choose healthy lifestyles and work collectively towards eliminating drug abuse from society. He urged the youth to look ahead, understand the direction in which the world is progressing, and develop their own talents without solely aiming for government jobs.

He advised students to engage in meaningful interactions with their parents, siblings, and friends, and to spread awareness even within their own families.

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Stressing the isolating nature of addiction, Jamir pointed out that it disconnects individuals from everyone and everything, adding that addiction has never been good nor solved anything, and called for a united stand against drug abuse.

Chümoukedima: The district administration and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) – Mission Shakti, in collaboration with the NMBA Chümoukedima, organised an awareness programme at Government High School, Diphupar B.

According to a DIPR report, resource persons of the programme, Ikali Wokhami, district mission coordinator, and Vera Sapu, gender specialist, DHEW–BBBP Mission Shakti, spoke on substance abuse and peer pressure and menstrual hygiene and health.

Students were informed that substance abuse is not limited to illegal drugs but also includes alcohol, tobacco, gutka, prescription drug misuse, cannabis, and inhalant abuse. The harmful effects of tobacco, smoking, alcohol, and other substances were highlighted, along with the importance of making informed choices and supporting peers in prevention and recovery.

It was also highlighted that, according to a study conducted, 43% of students in Nagaland who use tobacco are from middle school, and 44% are introduced to these substances through friends, while the rate of substance abuse in Nagaland is higher than the national average.

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Menstrual hygiene awareness was provided to both boys and girls to encourage openness and understanding, and feminine hygiene kits were distributed to all female participants.

A pledge ceremony under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan was led by Philomena, Inspector, Social Welfare Department, reaffirming the commitment to work towards a drug-free community.

Kohima: The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Kohima, observed the fifth anniversary of NMBA with a pledge ceremony at the DIPR conference hall.

On the occasion, Deputy Director Ruopfulenuo led the staff in taking the pledge, reaffirming the department’s commitment to creating awareness of the harmful effects of substance abuse.

The initiative aimed to engage communities, particularly in educational institutions, universities, and schools, while also identifying individuals struggling with addiction and linking them to counselling, treatment centres, and rehabilitation facilities.

The observance was organised under the directive of the state-level NMBA, Social Welfare Department, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Similar pledge ceremonies were also conducted across various district offices of the IPR.

Niuland: Niuland district administration, along with the District Hub for Employment of Women, observed the day at the DC conference hall, Niuland.

Kelengunuo Solo, while delivering a speech, stated that the increasing trend of youths getting into the habit of substance abuse is a growing concern in the state and urged the youths to abstain from substance-related abuse.

Solo administered the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan pledge.

The campaign also witnessed a painting competition among students from various schools in the district. Akheli from RHSM School, Nimugha Awomi from Modern School, and Kumsu Awomi from St. Joseph School were declared 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively.

Mon: The Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the district administration, Mon, conducted a drawing competition on the theme “Say no to drugs, yes to life” at the DRDA Hall, Mon.

H Laitak Konyak, CDPO, Mon, gave a brief note on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The programme was chaired by Chemai Konyak, supervisor, while the invocation was pronounced by Achem Konyak, caretaker.

The prizes were handed over to the winners by the CDPO. Little Flower School won the first prize, Sacred Heart School bagged the 2nd position, and St. Joseph’s School secured the 3rd position.

A total of thirteen schools from Mon district participated in the competition.

Longleng: A mass pledge-taking ceremony was held at the office of the Commandant, 12 NAP (IR) Battalion, Chingtok, Longleng, in which 45 police personnel, comprising officers and other ranks, attended the ceremony and were administered the pledge as per the directives received from the DC Longleng.