Date: Aug 4, 2022
The National Service Scheme Cell, NEHU organized a one-day programme on “Menace of Substance Abuse” on the 4th August 2022 at Multi-Use Convention Hall, NEHU. The event was attended by a large number of students from different departments of the university along with the NSS Programme Officers and NSS volunteers from colleges, NSS Unit NEHU and Deans of Schools of the university.
The programme was organized as part of the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan”. The programme was kickstarted with the address by Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon 'ble Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment via video conferencing. Smti. Sonal V. Misra, IPS, Inspector General, North Eastern Sector, Central Reserve Police Force, Shillong graced the occasion as the chief guest and Smti. Supriya Das, IPS, SP (CID), Meghalaya, Shillong as the Guest of Honour.
During her address as Chief Guest, Sonal V. Misra said that most of the North-East states are becoming drug consumption hubs and they are higher than national level drug consumption percentage. She also said that apparently it seems that because of the lack of community intervention, drug abuse is happening not only among the youth but across age and gender. She emphasized that one should not shy away from talking about the menace of drug abuse in the community and urged the youth specially the college and university students to always be involved in discussion with their peer group. She exhorted that the youth should contribute in controlling the peddling of the drugs. Before she concluded her speech, she urged that all students should take e-pledge “Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs”.
The guest of honour, Smti. Supriya Das, IPS, SP (CID), Meghalaya, Shillong in her address said that in order to stop drugs, a three-pronged approach is taken. First, Meghalaya Police is striving to combat drug peddling, trafficking and smuggling. Secondly, several counselling centers and rehabilitation centers have been opened up by the Social Welfare Department and thirdly, local police stations are constantly conduction awareness programmes in markets, in remote localities, in schools and colleges. She emphasized that each one of us as students and faculty members should take the responsibility to act in the right manner to control drugs abuse.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Prof. Prabah Shankar Shukla in his remarks expressed his concern about the youth in the campus and also in the society as well. He said that it is high time that students should come forward and initiate movements against drugs abuse. While speaking about the harmful effects of drug abuse, he pointed out the recent news where a father killed his own son because he could not tolerate the sufferings of addiction his son was going through. He also emphasized on how the addiction to drugs and tobacco or any other intoxications not just ruin the life of the people addicted to them but all to all those who are related to them. The Vice-Chancellor exhorted on the point that Youths are supposed to be the flag bearers of the country but many youths are now being addicted to drugs and intoxications leaving the country is in a state of shock. The war against drugs has long been started and we all need to fight this war together. He also mentioned that the role of every citizen is important in fighting this war. He emphasised that educated people of the society has greater role to play. The educators, the students and the workers of the civil society will have to join hands and work together. The Vice-Chancellor also advised the gathering to not discriminate and should help these addicted people by counselling.
In this one-day progrramme, Shri. Ivan B. Diengdoh , MPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Operation) delivered an awareness programme on “ Alcoholism and substance abuse” followed by a poster and slogan competition on the topic “Say No to Drugs” which was participated by many students.
While giving a formal vote of thanks, Prof. R.L. Nongkhlaw expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour for sparing their time and sharing their views on the topic. He also mentioned the inspiring leadership the Vice-Chancellor in organizing the programme successfully.
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