Itanagar, Aug 3: The Brahma Kumaris on Sunday launched the State-level "10-Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign" under the theme "Nasha Mukt Bharat - Nasha Mukt Arunachal", calling for collective efforts to build a drug-free, healthy and value-based society.
The programme, held at the Brahma Kumaris RajYoga Centre at Jollang, marked the organisation's 90th anniversary, India's 80th Independence Day celebrations, the 27th International Youth Day and the 19th Smriti Divas of former Brahma Kumaris chief Rajyogini Dadi Prakashmani.
Home and Inter-State Border Affairs Minister Mama Natung attended the event as the chief guest, while Director General of Police Shiv Darshan Singh Jamwal was the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Natung stressed the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to tackle drug abuse, particularly among the youth. He underscored the importance of awareness, family support, community participation and institutional collaboration in creating a healthier and more resilient society.
He said the fight against addiction requires the combined efforts of the government, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, civil society, families and spiritual organisations.
DGP Jamwal highlighted the importance of preventive awareness, community vigilance and responsible citizenship in addressing substance abuse. He said coordinated action by all stakeholders is essential to effectively combat the menace of addiction.
The programme witnessed the participation of students, teachers, youth leaders, social workers, police personnel, community members and youths recovering from addiction, reflecting a broad-based community commitment to the anti-drug movement.
Speaking on the occasion, BK Dr Sopai Tawsik highlighted the harmful effects of substance abuse on health, families and society, and explained the role of RajYoga meditation in de-addiction by strengthening self-awareness, emotional stability and self-control.
Brahma Kumaris Itanagar Centre Manager BK Junu urged participants to adopt a value-based lifestyle rooted in meditation and spiritual awareness. She later led a guided RajYoga meditation session and administered an anti-drug pledge, with participants resolving to remain free from addictions, support those battling substance abuse and contribute towards building an addiction-free society.
Former MLA Larbin Nasi also called for collective participation by communities, families and educational institutions in preventing addiction and promoting healthy living.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof Jayadeba Sahoo of Rajiv Gandhi University said the fight against addiction must go beyond enforcement and include value education, emotional resilience and spiritual empowerment. He described RajYoga meditation as an effective tool for strengthening self-discipline and preventing relapse among recovering addicts.
The programme concluded with a call for transforming "Nasha Mukt Bharat" into "Swasth Bharat, Sanskarwan Bharat and Viksit Bharat", with organisers urging citizens to make de-addiction a people's movement through collective responsibility and inner transformation.