The impactful awareness campaign “Breaking the Silence” was held today at the AR Auditorium in Wokha, focusing on mental health and substance abuse. The event was organised by the 24 Assam Rifles in collaboration with IGAR (North) and the Department of Social Welfare, supported by the Kripa Foundation and ACTS Foundation. The event sought to raise awareness about mental health and address the growing issue of substance abuse among the youth.

The campaign witnessed participation from students of various schools and colleges across Wokha District. Key speakers included Miss Northeast 2023, Kenie Ritse, and Miss Nagaland 2022, Hikali Achumi.

Ritse addressed mental health challenges, highlighting the need to destigmatise mental health issues and manage stress to prevent depression. She emphasised the importance of recognising mental health as a serious medical concern and encouraged students to build self-esteem and confidence.

Achumi spoke on substance abuse, describing it as a brain disease exacerbated by stress and depression. She warned of the severe consequences of drug use and urged students to seek positive influences in their lives. Achumi also led the attendees in taking the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India) pledge.

SDO Civil Wokha, Echungbemo Erui, expressed gratitude to the speakers for their valuable insights and urged students to apply what they learned. The programme included an interactive session where students discussed self-confidence, exam stress, and drug abuse.

The event began with an invocation by Y. Chumbenthung Murry, followed by a welcome speech from the Company Commander of 24 Assam Rifles. DBHSS Wokha and Government Higher Secondary School Wokha, featured folk songs and dance at the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Erenbeni Kikon, Senior Supervisor of Social Welfare Department, Wokha.