HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, June 26: In alignment with the rest of the country, Cachar district observed the ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ on Monday under the motto of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (Addiction-Free India Campaign). To raise awareness against drug abuse and illegal trafficking, a rally was organised by the Cachar district administration on this occasion.
The rally, flagged off by deputy commissioner Rohan Kumar Jha and additional deputy commissioner Yubraj Borthakur, commenced from the DC’s office premises and concluded at the police parade ground in Silchar, passing through Club Road, Central Road, Bhawal Point, and Gandhibagh. After the rally, a voluntary organisation named ‘Saksham’ performed a street play to further raise awareness against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
During the event, a pledge was taken to create awareness among the people. ADC Tridib Kumar Konwar, executive magistrate and cultural development officer Bidyashri Langthasa, and additional deputy commissioner Antara Sen, along with others, participated in the pledge-taking ceremony to raise awareness against drugs.
ADC Antara Sen, while speaking to the media, highlighted that the rally was organised by the district administration of Cachar to generate awareness among the people. The global drug problem is a complex issue that affects millions worldwide, and individuals who use drugs often face stigma and discrimination. The district administration has placed emphasis on creating awareness about the significance of the day in various educational institutions and has provided training to various voluntary organisations.
ADC Sen added, “People who use drugs face stigma and discrimination, which can further damage their physical and mental health and prevent them from getting the help they need.” Students, members of the district administration of Cachar, District Child Welfare Association, District Health Service, Silchar Residential Boys School, Cachar College, Shivsundari Nari Shiksharam, and the Indian Red Cross Society also participated in the rally.
It is important to note that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, is observed on June 26 each year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. This year’s campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy, providing evidence-based, voluntary services, offering alternatives to punishment, prioritising prevention, and leading with compassion. The campaign also strives to combat stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs by promoting language and attitudes that are respectful and non-judgmental.
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Our Nagaon correspondent adds: Kolongpar Vidyapith Senior Secondary School in Nagaon, along with the district administration, district mental health department, and Nagaon BP Civil Hospital, observed the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’ as part of an awareness program. The event took place at the school campus and was chaired by principal Padum Rajkhuwa. Dr Giyasuddin Ahmed, a senior psychiatrist from the district mental health project, attended as the keynote speaker and emphasised the importance of staying away from narcotics and contraband substances. Dr Ahmed highlighted the challenges of helping individuals addicted to drugs compared to those who consume alcohol. Dr Geeta Boruah, a renowned psychiatrist, also spoke at the event, shedding light on how drug addiction is negatively impacting the lives of young people worldwide. Over 200 students from Kolongpar Vidyapith Senior Secondary School, along with dignitaries from the district mental health department and teaching staff, participated in the program.
Similarly, several educational institutions in Nagaon district, including Dhing College and Nagaon Government Boys’ HS School, observed the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Dhing College organised an awareness campaign against drug abuse, featuring Dr Pankaj Kumar Bora as the chairperson. Resource persons such as Zuberul Amin (ICTC counselor from Dhing FRU, Assam State AIDS Control Society), Amrit Talukdar (Block Extension Educator, Dhing PHC), and Dibya Jyoti Baruah (news reporter from Pratidin Time) shared their insights on the current state of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Dr Biman Hazarika, the college principal, also addressed the issue. Students participated in speech and poster-making competitions related to drug abuse, and the program concluded with a pledge against drug abuse.
At Nagaon Government Boys’ HS School, NCC cadets and other students organised a day-long program on the school campus to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. They conducted an anti-drug rally throughout the town, aiming to raise awareness among the public about the harmful consequences of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The rally was led by NCC officer Saiful Islam and assistant teacher Ratul Bora.
These initiatives were designed to educate students and the community about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of combating illicit drug trafficking.
