SHILLONG/TURA/JOWAI/KHLIEHRIAT/NONGPOH/NONGSTOIN, June 26: Different organisations from across Meghalaya held programmes including rallies to take a stand against the menace of drugs while commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Monday.
The Art of Living Society Shillong, in collaboration with SAN-KER, organised a remarkable awareness rally at Khyndai Lad, which captivated the attention of participants and onlookers alike.
The main show of the day commenced at 11 am on the stairs of the old Assembly building premises and spilled onto the footpath, creating an impactful visual display. The rally was dubbed as a powerful symbol of unity and determination in the fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
Principal of the college, Sanjay Rana, delivered an inspiring speech on the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol. The theme of the programme, ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’, which has been provided by the United Nations, resonated strongly with the audience.
It may be mentioned that the Art of Living Society Shillong has been making efforts to promote a healthy and drug-free society through various programmes.
With over 60 programmes in their repertoire, including Drug Rehabilitation and De-Addiction, Trauma and Stress Relief, Prison Smart, Rural People’s Personality Development and the Youth Leadership Programme (YLTP), the organisation has positively impacted many lives.
During the rally, Principal Sanjay Rana along with the dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff and students of BBS College, participated wholeheartedly in the programme.
All participants took a solemn pledge to abstain from drugs and alcohol, signifying their commitment to building a healthier society.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Depti Ghimera, a student of BBS College, expressing gratitude to the organisers.
On Saturday, a session aimed at spreading awareness about the significance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was conducted by The Art of Living Society in collaboration with SAN-KER focusing on same theme.
Awareness prog at Shillong jail
As part of the commemoration of the occasion, the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills, in collaboration with Manbha Foundation and Kripa Foundation, Shillong, organised an awareness-cum-sensitisation programme on ‘Ill Effects of Substance Abuse and Behavioural Change’ for the inmates at Shillong District Jail, Jail Road, Police Bazaar, on Saturday.
Counsellors S Marbaniang from New Life De-addiction Centre, KJP Synod Sepngi, Urban Mission, and Keshab Lamsal, Kripa Foundation (ODIC), Shillong, spoke about the basics of drug abuse and the process of social re-integration and the ill effects of substance abuse and behavioral change respectively.
Events in Garo Hills
In Tura and other parts of Garo Hills, the occasion was observed by different departments with various events which saw enthusiastic participation.
A sensitisation programme on ‘Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ was organised for students in Tura at the District Auditorium by the West Garo Hills district administration in collaboration with District Medical and Health Office, Tura, District Police Tura, Education and Social Welfare department, Tura.
Addressing a gathering comprising students, Dr Wetterfield R Marak, retired Pastor of Tura Baptist Church, who was the chief guest, shared his numerous experiences during his field visits as a pastor to various villages of the district substantiating the presence and sale of illegal drugs.
In his keynote address, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish chelani spoke about the importance of creating awareness about the ill-effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, especially among the youth of the region. He further said that drugs have made tremendous entry into the community at present where the state has about 2.5 lakh drug users, which is a high percentage for the small state of Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, Counselor, Tura Civil Hospital, Amesha Sangma explained in detail about the legal and illegal drugs, common drug abuse in India including the risk factor for teen drug abuse, various forms of alcohol and drug abuse, causes and their harmful effects, stages of addiction, prevention and their related treatment.
Others who also spoke on the occasion included DSP Walsal Momin, District Social Welfare Pfficer, Hemaritha Sangma, SDSEO Samuel Ch Marak and ADCs A V D Shira and Dolrich Momin
The occasion was also observed at Resubelpara in North Garo Hills at DIET campus wherein a sensitisation on drug abuse was held to mark the day.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of North Garo Hills, JRT Sangma, was the chief guest on the occasion. Sangma apprised the gathering of the ill-effects of drugs, imploring them to stay away from the use of drugs while also highlighting measures to stop the menace of drug.
Additional Superintendent of Police, SR Marak, who was the guest of honour, said that a series of awareness programmes on drug and other substance abuse as part of ‘Drug Free India’ was held earlier across the district by the Police department educating people on the menace of drugs and various penal laws pertaining under Narcotic drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) 1985.
Representative of DLSA, Medical & Health Officer, NR Marak and District Social Welfare Officer CD Arengh were among others who spoke during the programme.
The programme was held in tandem with the offices of DSWO, DLSA and Medical department, Resubelpara.
cultural troupe performs at U Soso
Tham Auditorium on Monday. (ST)
West Jaintia Hills
In Jowai, West Jaintia Hills, Breakthrough De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, KJP Synod Mihngi, observed the day at a programme held in Thomas Jones Synod College, Jowai, which was sponsored by District Social Welfare Officer, Jowai. An awareness programme was also organised at Chutwakhu Indoor Auditorium, Jowai, by the office of the Superintendent of Police, Jowai.
The programme aimed to air concerns about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking and to encourage individuals to take a stand against these issues. The speakers highlighted the purpose of the day, exhorting youths to stay away from all forms of drugs.
Speaking on the occasion, District Social Welfare Officer J Synnah highlighted various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to address the issues of substance abuse and its commitment to make India drug-free.
A short skit was performed by the Mynthong Junior Christian Endeavour Society on ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’ — this year’s theme for the occasion.
East Jaintia Hills
In Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, a programme was organised to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills, at Umkiang Community Hall, Umkiang.
In her address, the District Social Welfare Officer, R Passah, emphasised on the importance of a collective effort involving the Social Welfare, Police and other line departments in tackling the menace of drugs in the district.
During the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners of the drawing and poetry competition organised as part of the observance of the occasion. Additionally, a short video clip titled ‘Behind Closed Door’, which focused on drug abuse, was also screened.
On the other hand, a rally was also conducted after the programme to raise awareness on the harmful effects of drugs.
South West Khasi Hills
Students and parents from different localities in South West Khasi Hills participated in a programme organised in Mawkyrwat by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) and the office of the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), Mawkyrwat, in collaboration with the Temperance Committee, Jingiaseng Kynthei Rangthong District at Rangthong village.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of South West Khasi Hills YR Mawlong was the chief guest of the programme.
West Khasi Hills
A one-day awareness programme was organised at St. John Bosco Higher Secondary School, Rambrai, West Khasi Hills, as part of the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, organsied by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, West Khasi Hills.
The programme saw enthusiastic participation of students from different schools under Rambrai area in a rally held on the day, which began from United National Secondary School, Mawrang, towards Rambrai market and ended with an official function at St. John Bosco Higher Secondary School, Rambrai.
Block Development Officer of Rambrai, S Marwein, was the chief guest.
On the occasion, a music video based on drug abuse, sung by Joymery Khardewsaw and sponsored by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, Nongstoin, was released by the chief guest.
I Shadap, Clinical Psychologist, Nongstoin, GK Sangma, Inspector of Police, and G Thongni, Counsellor from Kripa Foundation, impressed upon all to avoid drug usage and refrain from stigmatisation or discrimination against anyone addicted to drugs and to instead help them.
Ri-Bhoi
A 5-km marathon was organised in Nongpoh on Monday by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, Ri-Bhoi, in collaboration with the District Sport Office Nongpoh, to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The marathon started from Saiden Indoor Stadium and culminated at District NSCA Indoor Stadium Umlyngkdait.
This was followed by a rally and an official programme at the District Library Auditorium Hall Nongpoh in the presence of the Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, who was the chief guest, and others.
Prizes were also distributed among the winners of marathon, essay writing, slogan writing, drawing and painting competitions.
The day ended with a pledge taken by the participants.