SHILLONG: A daylong Youth Health Festival on the theme “Healthy Body, Smart Mind” was organised by the office of the District Medical and Health Officer, East Khasi Hills, Shillong under the aegis of National Health Mission under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) — a National Adolescent Health Programme, at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, Sohra on Tuesday.
The main objective of the programme was to create awareness and educate the youth about the various interventions that the program is implementing. The RKSK Programme addresses six core priorities of adolescents, viz, reproductive and sexual Health including HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, mental health, Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), gender equality/ violence and injuries and nutrition. The programme saw the participation of a number of schools under Sohra Civil Sub-Division along with representatives from the Department of Health and various other line departments, according to a Press release.
Various programmes were conducted as part of the festival which saw active participation from the student community of the area. The Chief Guest during the concluding session of the festival was Giri Prasad, IPS, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sohra. Other dignitaries present on the occasion were Dr. Adreena Lyngdoh, Addl. DMHO, East Khasi Hills District, Dr. K. Kharnaior, in-Charge Sohra CHC, Dr. G. E. Swett, Sr M & HO, Sohra CHC, Shri. M. Rymbai, Officer-in-Charge, Sohra Police Station, Shri. Truman Basaiawmoit, Psychologist, DMHP, NHM, Shillong amongst others.
Speaking during the concluding session of the festival, the SDPO, Giri Prasad expressed his happiness in being given the opportunity to address the gathering and be part of a programme whose main objective was to help educate and guide young minds, in particular adolescents, in their all round development as everyone is aware that young minds will shape the future of the country.
Highlighting that the youth are amongst the most vulnerable sections of society, he said that the youth as they become older will be facing a lot of changes and influences which can either be positive or negative and further they are more prone to various kinds of experimentation. Hence, he urged the youth present, to take advantage of programmes such as these, which will make them well informed, confident, and empower them in making responsible and positive decisions.
Earlier in the day, the festival saw various youth based activities being conducted such as a rally, open quiz competition, debate competition on ‘Social Media- A Boon to Social life’, demonstration on fitness tips through Zumba & educational fun games and shows exhibiting talents of students from various schools through dance and singing skills.
The winners of the various competitions were later awarded with prizes during the concluding session of the festival.