Zunheboto, August 28 (MExN): The Zunheboto District Administration, in collaboration with Assam Rifles and DHEW-BBBP, organized an awareness campaign on the "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and Mental Health" on August 28. The campaign aimed to address the pressing issues of substance abuse and mental health, with a special focus on the youth, particularly students, who are among the most vulnerable groups.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali (IAS), highlighted the strong link between addiction and criminal activities. He emphasized that the only way to prevent such issues is to stay away from all forms of intoxicating substances.
Commandant of Assam Rifles, Major Praveen Kumar Salotra, one of the guest speakers, shared insights from his home state of Punjab, where substance abuse has become a major and uncontrollable issue. He urged Nagaland to take proactive measures to prevent a similar crisis from taking root in the state.
Miss Northeast 2023, Kenie Ritse, the star speaker of the campaign, focused on mental health. She discussed various mental health issues and the stigma and discrimination faced by those suffering from them. Ritse called for greater sympathy and support for individuals struggling with mental health problems and encouraged seeking medical attention before it's too late. She concluded her speech by urging everyone to fight for their own lives, as life is worth it.
Miss Nagaland 2022, Hikali Achumi, another star speaker, addressed the topic of substance abuse. She highlighted the importance of awareness campaigns targeting young students to educate them about the dangers of substance abuse. Achumi pointed out that substance abuse often starts with a single attempt to feel good or better, which can gradually lead to addiction. She emphasized that the best way to prevent addiction is to avoid trying such substances in the first place.
Bura Akum, Director of ACTS, spoke about the importance of blood donation. Representatives from the Sakhi One Stop Centre provided information on the assistance available to women facing violence, and FLS DHEW, Nguvito, elaborated on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme.
