Various functions and events were held today to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the various districts of Meghalaya.
In Shillong, apart from the formal government programme, private observances were also held, such as by mental health charity San-Ker and the Art of Living Society.
San-Ker, which has been working in the field of mental health and related problems of drug addiction for 33 years, held a workshop for patients to express themselves through art on the subject of drugs with artists Kynsaibor Rynjah and Casper Syiem.
A short programme then followed, with Dr RC Laloo providing a speech and a former addict and patient of San-Ker shared his experience of addressing his addiction and resulting personality changes. Although the challenge of addiction is an ongoing one, he has now been sober for several years. In-patients also performed a song and the programme ended with the Serenity Prayer.
The main show of the day commenced at 11 am on the Old Assembly stairs and spilled onto the footpath, creating an impactful visual display. The rally served as a powerful symbol of unity and determination in the fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking.
During the event, students from BBB College took a resolute oath, declaring “Na Nasha Karenge Na Karne Denge” (I will not abuse myself and will not allow others to do so).
This powerful message echoed the sentiment shared by the Principal of the college, Sanjay Rana, who delivered an inspiring speech on the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol.
Today’s theme, “People First: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention,” provided by the United Nations, resonated strongly with the audience.
In Eastern West Khasi Hills, the office of the Child Development Project Officer in Mairang in collaboration with the Police Department organised an awareness programme wherein the Additional Superintendent of Police, P Suchiang, was the chief guest. Around 250 students participated in the programme.
Suchiang stated that the aim of the programme was to educate the students against using narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, which cause harmful effects on the growth and progress of students’ physical and mental space and also the society at large.
The Additional SP also took the occasion to urge the students to abstain from using intoxicative substances, which could hinder their progress in their daily activities and further exhorted upon them to emulate the achievers in the field of sports, education, etc from the district.
Other highlights of the programme included a short play entitled on the ill effects of drugs, performed by students of St Thomas Higher Secondary School and pledge led by the school’s vice-principal.
The theme of this year’s observation was ‘People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention’.
In East Jaintia Hills, the programme was held at Khliehriat, with the District Social Welfare Officer, R Passah, and other officials present.
Passah spoke about the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India Campaign), which was launched in 2020 to combat the menace of drug addiction in the country. She called on all sections of society to work together with the government and police to tackle the issue.
During the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners of the drawing and poetry competition, which was organized as part of the observation. Additionally, a short video clip titled ‘Behind Closed Doors’, focusing on drug abuse, was also screened. To further raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs, a rally was conducted after the programme.
In Resubelpara, a sensitisation programme was held, with Additional Deputy Commissioner of North Garo Hills, JRT Sangma, the chief guest. Sangma implored the gathering to stay away from drugs, while also highlighting the government’s measures to curb the use and the trade in drugs. The police have held a series of awareness drives to educate the masses, Additional Superintendent of Police, SR Marak, informed.
Local MLA Mayralborn Syiem was present at the programme in Nongpoh, where a 5km race was also organised by the District Sports Officer to mark the day.
The formal programme then followed, attended by hundreds of school children, home guards and others committed themselves to stand against drugs. Syiem thanked the police for their efforts in tackling the drug problem and spoke of the harm that illegal drugs as well as tobacco and alcohol do to the community.
The event also included the distribution of prizes to the winners of various competitions, including the race, essay writing, slogan writing, drawing and painting competitions. The day concluded with a solemn pledge, signifying the commitment of all participants to work collectively towards a drug-free society.
In Jowai, Thomas Jones Synod College hosted an event to observe the day, organised by the Breakthrough De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre of the KJP Synod Mihngi, and sponsored by District Social Welfare Officer Superintendent of Police of West Jaintia Hills.
B Kharmalki, general secretary of the Meghalaya Users Forum, through his experience urged the students to say no to drugs and Hame Shaniah Suiam, international kickboxer and gold medallist gave a motivational speech on ‘Win Without Drugs.’ A short skit was also performed by the Mynthong Junior Christian Endeavour Society. The office District Social Welfare officer had also conducted a drawing competition and prizes were distributed to the winners.
The office of the District Social Welfare Officer and the office of the District Child Protection Officer, South West Khasi Hills District in collaboration with the Temperance Committee, Jingïaseng Kynthei Rangthong District organised a programme at the Rangthong Community Hall wherein Y.R. Mawlong, Additional Deputy Commissioner was the chief guest.
Mawlong urged students not to indulge in drugs or be influenced by intoxicants which can have a negative impact on health and society at large. While stating that ‘Prevention is better than cure’, she therefore called upon all to be vigilant and work together with a belief and hoped that the strength of our communities lies in our institution which brings in solidarity to combat and uprooted this social evil which has no cure or solution.
