TURA: Keeping in view the rise in crimes against women and children day by day, a one-day seminar on ‘Drug Abuse and Social Evils’ was organized by the Tura Garo Senior Citizens Forum (TGSCF) at Burney Hills Secondary School in Tura.
Former Director of School Education and Literacy, J D Sangma who was the Chief Guest during the inaugural function stressed on the importance of reaching out to the youth to educate them about the menace of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse. He also said that drug abuse has become a major social concern and students have become vulnerable to fall into the trap. He urged them to stay away from any kind of bad habits which are detrimental to a person’s life since indulging in these activities only brings misery. He also urged them to cultivate good, presentable and acceptable behaviour and become successful persons in their future.
In the technical session, Dr Bethel D Marak, Medical Officer, Tura Civil Hospital, Tura highlighted the various forms of alcohol and drug abuse and their harmful effects. She said that taking medicine without Doctor’s prescription is equally harmful to a person’s health as drug abuse. She then elaborated on addiction or physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms and drug overdose and the treatment and counselling necessary for these patients.
Referring to the case history of drug addict patients, she urged the teachers and parents to pay more attention to children and take proactive steps to prevent students from this grave disaster of drug addiction.
The programme was attended by President of TGSCF, W G Momin, Vice President, C T Sangma other members of the forum, students and local residents.