IGAR (N) Maj Gen Manish Kumar and others during the concluding programme of the three-month-long awareness campaign on mental health and substance abuse, themed “Breaking the Silence” at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Chümoukedima on October 10. (Morung Photo)
ACTS, DSW, IGAR (N), & pageant winners unite for mental health and substance abuse awareness drive"
Morung Express News
Patkai | October 10
Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, a three-month-long awareness campaign on mental health and substance abuse, themed “Breaking the Silence,” culminated today at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous), Chümoukedima.
The campaign was organised by Aid, Care, Trust, Support (ACTS) in collaboration with the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) and the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland.
Miss Northeast 2023, Kenei Ritse, Miss Nagaland 2023, Neiketuno Sechü, and Miss Nagaland 2022, Hikali Achumi, were part of the awareness campaign, aligning with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
Speaking as the chief guest at the concluding programme at Patkai’s Bundrock Chapel Auditorium, IGAR (N) Major General Manish Kumar highlighted that since its launch on August 12, the campaign has reached thousands of people across multiple districts in Nagaland, along with additional events held in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur.
The campaign was launched to stress the urgent need to recognise, acknowledge, and combat the scourge of substance abuse, while raising awareness about mental health, he said, expressing hope that its impact would be manifested on the ground hereafter.
He expressed gratitude to the ACTS, collaborators, Goan Buras, district administrations, and other stakeholders for their crucial role throughout the campaign, saying it had laid a sustainable “robust edifice” for the future.
The involvement of the three pageant winners was also acknowledged, with emphasis on how their influence could inspire others to join the cause. He also expressed gratitude to PCC for providing the platform for the concluding event.
The IGAR (N) also mainianted that the Assam Rifles has always stood by the people of Nagaland, not only to ensure security but also to support initiatives that impact the health and future of the people.
“Our commitment to this cause goes beyond religious beliefs,” he said, conveying full support in the fight against drug abuse and the stigma surrounding mental health.
“Together, we will confront these challenges head-on,” he added, reaffirming the Assam Rifles “unwavering commitment” for such campaign that resonates with the shared responsibility to ensure the mental and physical well-being of the people.
Urgent need for awareness and support
Addressing the importance of mental health, Miss Northeast 2023 Ritse highlighted that feeling stressed is normal for everyone, but it becomes concerning when it starts affecting daily life.
She also touched upon the misconception of associating depression or mental health issues with laziness.
Ritse further emphasised how mental health issues are often sidelined in society due to stigma, and she called for “Breaking the Silence” and seeking professional help.
Miss Nagaland 2023 Sechü also stressed the importance of mental health and substance abuse awareness among the youth in the state.
She urged students and young people to openly discuss mental health and reach out to others, noting that, while many struggle with mental health issues, it remains a largely unspoken topic.
Miss Nagaland 2022 Achumi, meanwhile, stated that the campaign was also a ‘beauty with a purpose’ project, reflecting their passion for mental health and substance abuse issues.
The theme ‘Breaking the Silence’ was chosen because discussions about mental health are so stigmatised, and therefore, it is necessary to talk about it.
The event also featured a Sumi traditional dance, special songs and dances by PCC students, while The Rhinos jazz band and Imna Yaden also performed. Burakum Ao, director of ACTS, delivered words of gratitude.
After the formal event, there was a rally from the venue to Purana Bazaar, in which students from Patkai and Tetso college, as well as riders from Assam Rifles, participated.
