KHONSA, Feb 6: A district level awareness programme on drug abuse for students of Secondary and Senior Secondary classes from Government schools concluded today with the distribution of prizes to the winners of an essay writing competition conducted on the topic ‘Drug Menace with Special Reference to the TCL Region’.
Gracing the programme as chief guest, In-charge Deputy Commissioner Tirap Namneet Singh, awarding prizes to the winners, stressed the importance of career preparation from Class X onwards. He stated that the District Administration is deeply concerned about the future of students and informed that from time to time career counselling programmes, in collaboration with the Education Department, will be organized in various institutions.
He also emphasized the role of parents as the first teachers, noting that children often emulate their parents’ habits, and urged parents to refrain from the consumption of alcohol, kaani, drugs and other narcotic substances.
The DC also appealed to the general public to maintain proper health and hygiene practices and discouraged the habit of spitting gutka/pan masala in public places, which leads to unhygienic conditions and spread of diseases. He urged society to shun such unhealthy practices and appreciated the participants of the essay writing competition for expressing awareness that should be adopted in practical life.
Dr K Socia, Senior Medical Officer, Zonal General Hospital (ZGH), Khonsa, served as a resource person and highlighted serious health hazards and long-term consequences of drug abuse.
Advocate Nakap Matey sensitized the students on legal provisions, penalties, and punishments under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, emphasizing the legal ramifications of substance abuse.
Joymon Tikhak, Counsellor-cum-Senior Consultant, CMHS, addressed the participants as the key resource person. He elaborated on the impact, preventive measures, and possible solutions to drug abuse, highlighting its adverse effects on health, future prospects, legal consequences, early identification of substance use, and the importance of seeking professional help.
Addressing the gathering, DDSE Tirap K C Lowangcha emphasized the vital role of education and urged students to stay away from all forms of narcotic substances, including tobacco and alcohol. She encouraged students to remain focused on their studies to build a secure and meaningful future.
The DDSE stated that students constitute the largest force in society and emphasized the need for youth to channelize their energy positively for a healthy, happy, and bright future. She urged students to fight against all forms of intoxication, stay away from substance abuse, and actively engage in studies as well as games and sports. She further encouraged students to commit to leading drug-free lives and to educate their families and communities on the ill-effects of drug abuse.
In the essay writing competition, the girls came up with flying colours winning the top three spots along with cash prizes and certificates. Nuseng Siksa, a class X student of GSS Pinewood, Khonsa bagged the first prize and received Rs 10,000, while Anandi Rai, Class XII, PM Shri GHSS, Khonsa secured the second prize and got Rs 6000. The third prize went to Jessica K Wotsa, class X, GHSS, Deomali who pocketed Rs 4,000.
The programme concluded with a brief speech by Ganjam Atoa, BEO (HQs), who delivered a strong message encouraging students to become ambassadors of a drug-free society.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Ganjam Atoa, District Pedagogy Coordinator (ISSE), ststed that the programme was conceptualized to educate participants on the dangers of drug abuse, emphasize prevention, and promote collective responsibility towards building a drug-free society.
The District-Level Awareness Programme on Drug Abuse (Secondary Level), held at Govt Hr Sec School, Borduria, was a resounding success, achieving its objectives of educating and motivating students to take a firm stand against drugs. The enthusiastic participation and positive response underscored the importance of such community-based initiatives in working towards a drug-free district and ensuring a healthier future for all. (DIPRO)