An awareness programme on drug abuse titled, ‘Choose Education and Meaningful Life not Drugs’ was held today at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura.
The programme was organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by the District School Education Officer in collaboration with District Administration, District Social Welfare Office and District Maternity & Child Health Officer, Tura.
It may be mentioned that the programme is being held with regard to the ongoing awareness on ‘Drug Free India Campaign’ which is an Initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India and aims to make the people aware of the ill effects of substance abuse and curb the menace of drug addiction in the society.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh speaking at the programme said that though substance abuse starts at a later stage, however, mild or partial substance abuse begins during teenage days. He advised students to stay away from smoking and drinking during their student life and said that they should not fall prey to peer pressure and other personal issues.
Stating that he had seen few students smoking in school uniform, he advised them to quit as soon as possible and not to fall into this trap since this habit will only bring hard life while a successful life can only be acquired by choosing education which would help a person to build a bright career in future, he added.
Clinical Psychologist, District Mental Health Programme, Tura Narbecca Momin explained in detail about the psychological aspects of substance used or abused, the common causes as to why people take drugs such as to celebrate some occasion, break up in relationship, death of a love one, family or financial problem, mental or physical illness or social pressure or trauma or abuse, unemployment, etc which results in both short and long term effect on person’s life and career prospects.
Further, she said that when a person consumes excessive drugs than a persons’ brain is affected and therefore, prevention and is always better, she added.
Others who spoke on the occasion were Principal, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Tura Ela Begum Lasker, in-charge District School Education Officer, Tura C A Sangma while Assistant Teacher, St. Marys H S School, Tura Alok Roy presented video clippings on Drug Abuse.
Short skit on Drug Abuse was also presented by students of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Tura and Monfort Centre for Education, Tura during the day long programme.
