The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of MGM College organised ‘Yuva Sanwad – Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat’ under the theme ‘My Health, My Pride’ at its adopted village, Kashiram, on Friday, sensitising young people to the dangers of substance abuse and encouraging them to make healthy and responsible life choices.
The programme was organised as part of Week 4 of the 100-Week Sankalp Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign aimed at building a drug-free generation through youth participation, community engagement and sustained awareness.
Launched by the Prime Minister on August 2, the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan focuses on four key pillars: Prevent, Protect, Recover and Lead. Through MY Bharat–NSS, the campaign is being taken to educational institutions and adopted villages, reinforcing the NSS motto, “Not Me, But You,” through community service and youth-led initiatives.
I Sentinuklu Jamir, Councillor, Dimapur Municipal Council, who attended the programme as Chief Guest, said building a drug-free society required collective responsibility, community participation and sustained efforts to empower young people.
He called upon the youth to make informed decisions, resist the temptation of substance abuse and contribute positively to society and nation-building.
Neimhanu Kulnu, Psychiatric Social Worker at District Hospital, Dimapur, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of physical and mental well-being. She cautioned that substance use often begins with casual experimentation and the misleading belief that “Just try it, nothing will happen,” but could gradually develop into a serious and life-threatening problem.
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Urging participants to embrace the message, “Say No to Drugs, Not No to Life,” Kulnu stressed the importance of protecting mental health and making informed choices.
She also emphasised that people struggling with addiction should be treated with compassion rather than shame or stigma. Calling for a supportive and non-judgmental approach, she urged the community to help those affected seek professional assistance and begin their journey towards recovery.
A major highlight of the programme was a youth-led interactive dialogue, which provided students and young people with a platform to express their concerns about substance abuse and share their perspectives on building an addiction-free society. The discussion encouraged open communication, greater awareness and collective commitment to protecting the future of young people.
Dr A Temsuyanger, Nodal Officer, Dimapur Mental Health Programme, and Consultant Psychiatrist at District Hospital, Dimapur, conducted an interactive session on addiction and mental health. He addressed questions raised by students and helped deepen their understanding of the psychological and social challenges associated with substance use, emphasising the importance of awareness, timely intervention and professional support.
Adding a creative dimension to the awareness campaign, NSS volunteers of MGM College presented a street play on ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva’, depicting the harmful consequences of substance abuse and the importance of making responsible choices.
