My Bharat Kendra-Dimapur, in collaboration with North East Christian University (NECU), Dimapur District Administration and the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland, organised a “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat” programme at Dr Peter Armacost Hall, NECU, Dimapur, on August 13.
The programme was organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to create awareness among young people on the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage collective efforts towards building a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering as guest of honour, Imliwabang Aier, NCS, EAC Dimapur, urged students and young people to stay away from substance abuse, stressing that addiction harms not only individuals but also families and society.
Aier said educational institutions that emphasise values, character and service were well placed to create a campus culture where healthy habits were encouraged and young people were motivated to lead fulfilling lives. Through a series of fictional stories based on situations commonly faced by youth, he highlighted how experimentation with substances could gradually develop into addiction, affecting education, health, talents and family relationships.
Aier stressed that substance abuse might temporarily hide problems but could not solve them. Urging students to make responsible choices, he said addiction did not necessarily begin with the first instance and encouraged them to avoid taking the first step towards substance abuse.
“Choose your friends carefully. Choose your habits wisely. And above all, choose your future,” he urged, reminding the students that the future of the State and nation would be shaped by young minds.
Speaking on the theme “Viksit Bharat Through Nasha Mukti Yuva,” District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, K. Manikanta, described the fight against drug abuse as a real battle to protect youth, families and society. He said the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was not merely a government programme but an urgent call for collective action against substance abuse.
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Referring to the situation in Nagaland, Manikanta highlighted reports of nearly one lakh people battling addiction and surveys estimating around 6.24 lakh substance users in the State, including over 1.11 lakh children. He said Dimapur’s strategic location had made it vulnerable as a transit and consumption hub for illegal drugs, while unemployment, stress, boredom and peer pressure could push young people towards substance abuse.
Manikanta called for a united and multi-pronged approach involving the Government, families, educational institutions and communities. He urged young people to resist peer pressure and engage in sports, creative activities and other meaningful pursuits. He also appealed to parents to communicate openly with their children and remain alert to sudden behavioural changes.
He stressed the importance of the joint efforts of the police and district administration in tackling drug abuse, adding that the Government alone could not address the issue. He called upon communities and institutions to support efforts to disrupt illegal drug supply chains while extending care and support to those affected by addiction. He urged all to collectively “say no to drugs and yes to life.”
The programme commenced with an invocation by Dr Albert M Chawang, followed by a director’s note by Dr Kangzangding Thou. A special presentation, “Goodness of God,” was presented by Suingau and Icigumle.
The Nasha Mukti pledge was administered by Mokala Murry, MY Bharat representative. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Kedu Keretsu, MY Bharat representative. Mokala Murry anchored the programme.
