The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with The Dream Team Nagaland (TDTN), observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 by organising an interactive awareness programme titled “Beyond the Screen: Awareness Through Influence” at KAIRO, Keziekie, Kohima.
Delivering the keynote address, TDTN Chairman, Nunese Sale said today’s society is driven by intense competition and pressure to succeed, pushing many young people towards unhealthy coping mechanisms that eventually lead to addiction.
Sharing the story of a friend who earns well as a carpenter but struggles with depression after repeatedly failing government recruitment examinations, Sale said unrealistic societal expectations often force young people into emotional distress. He noted that his friend turned to alcohol to escape his problems, only for it to become an addiction.
He stressed that addiction is no longer just an individual’s problem but one that affects families and the future of society. “When a whole generation of young people falls into addiction, the future of Naga society is at stake,” he said, urging the government and organisations to organise more youth-centred awareness programmes and meaningful engagements.
Addressing the gathering of influencers, Sale reminded them that their actions have a significant impact on young audiences. Drawing the example of global influencer Logan Paul and the popularity of the Prime Hydration drink, he said people often follow trends simply because influencers promote them, highlighting the responsibility that comes with influence.
He also encouraged young people to recognise that success comes in different forms, noting that not everyone needs to pursue government jobs. “A fish cannot fly, just as a bird cannot swim in deep waters. Everyone has a different role to play in society,” he remarked, encouraging youths to value diverse professions and talents.
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Speaking on institutional responses to addiction, Sale questioned what he described as inconsistencies in disciplinary measures. He pointed out that students caught with tobacco are often expelled, while cases involving bullying or sexual harassment sometimes receive comparatively lighter punishments. He recommended that educational institutions establish dedicated counselling booths and medical support facilities for students battling addiction instead of relying solely on punitive action.
Chairman of Acts Connect, Bendang Imsong, said the organisation collaborated with influencers because of their ability to connect with and inspire young people. He said the objective of the programme was to encourage participants to become the voice of society by sharing ideas and suggestions, which would be documented and submitted to the concerned departments for consideration by the state government.
The programme also featured an open interaction session moderated by Jongpongchiten, Director of Sütsüng Enterprise. During the session, visual artists Shesalu Vadeo and Keheteu Nuh, along with performing artists Mezanuo Ngukha, ZT Slingshot, Lamgrace Touthang, and Wati Katiry, shared their personal experiences, creative journeys and perspectives on using their influence to inspire positive choices among the youth while promoting awareness against substance abuse.
