Dignitaries with others during the launching programme of ‘Breaking the Silence 4.0’ in Kohima on November 3. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 3
The ACTS (Aid, Care Trust and Support) Connect in association with Department of Social Welfare, Assam Rifles, Recovery Wellness Society Assam and Mt Olive College Kohima on November 3 launched “Breaking the Silence” 4.0 (Awareness Campaign on Mental Health & Substance Abuse) at Mt Olive College.
Breaking the Silence began in 2023 as a community outreach effort addressing drug abuse and mental health across the Northeast.
Previous editions have drawn support from the Inspector General Assam Rifles (IGAR) North, 13th Assam Rifles, the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, Recovery Wellness Society Assam, and ACTS Connect Nagaland.
The fourth edition extends this work across four states- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, build mental health literacy among youth and communities, and reduce the stigma surrounding both issues. It works through regional icons and youth influencers to give the messaging local reach and credibility, rather than relying on generic public health messaging alone.
Delivering keynote address, ACTS Connect director Bendang Imsong said that for too long, mental health struggles and substance abuse have remained hidden behind fear, shame and stigma.
He said that the Breaking the Silence campaign was born to change that silence into dialogue. From 2023 to 2024, the campaign brought together community organisations, government departments, educational institutions, Assam Rifles, health professionals, youth ambassadors, across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Nagaland.
ACTS Connect worked to raise awareness about mental health and substance abuse, challenge myths, misinformation, and social stigma, encourage young people to speak openly and seek timely help, build supportive environments in families, campuses, and communities and strengthen alignment with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and its vision of a Drug-free India
“As we move forward, with BTS 4.0, let us not allow this campaign to remain only a memory of events held and slogans raised. Let it become a continuing movement in our homes, classrooms, campuses, neighbourhoods, and digital spaces,” he said.
Major Gen HS Mavi, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) attended the launching programme as the guest of honour and Wango Langsym, Deputy Director and State Nodal Officer NMBA, Department of Social Welfare as the special guest.
Bahun Nongrum, Miss Divine Beauty India 2026, Miss Earth India 2025 Ist Runner up, Miss Meghalaya 2024 and Lovikali Swu, Miss Grand India Nagaland 2026 also delivered short speech.
ZT Slingshot, Rapper & Songwriter also performed at the launching programme.
The programme was host by Dr. Keren Shohe Mohobo while Dr. Koseno delivered welcome address. Lujeka Assumi invoked God’s blessings.
In concluding remark, Ainato Yeptho, Managing Director, ACTS Connect said that the Breaking The Silence 4.0 will continue its journey with series of programme. November 4 at St. Xavier Higher Secondary School, Jalukie, November 11- Jorhat, Assam, November 12- Tezpur, Assam and November 14- Grand Finale at NEHU, Shillong.
“We will keep going from campus to campus, district to district, with one message - you are not alone,” Yeptho said.
