DC Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, flags off the World No Drug Day awareness rally from Assam Rifles Ground, Mokokchung, on June 30. (Morung Photo)
Awareness and wellness programe marks World No Drug Day in Mokokchung
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | June 30
Transforming attitudes and behaviour, rather than relying solely on suppression, emerged as a key message at the youth awareness and wellness programme organised to mark World No Drug Day in Mokokchung on June 30.
The programme, themed “Drug Abuse Prevention & Value-Based Living,” was organised by the Rajyoga Education & Research Foundation (RERF), a sister organisation of Brahma Kumaris, in collaboration with 12 Assam Rifles.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Swapan Gupta, a senior neurologist and narcotics specialist from New Delhi described drug addiction as “a mind game” that requires long-term behavioural and psychological transformation.
Citing studies, he said several North-East states continue to report higher rates of drug use than the national average, with addiction often beginning during adolescence.
Dr Gupta explained that addictive substances alter the brain’s reward system, leading to dependence, impaired judgement and increasing tolerance over time.
Besides damaging physical and mental health, he said drug abuse also contributes to social problems, crime and loss of productivity.
He stressed that awareness alone is insufficient unless accompanied by positive behavioural change.
“The key is not suppression but transformation,” he said, advocating value-based living, meditation, positive affirmations and strong emotional support from families and communities to help individuals overcome addiction.
Dr Gupta also underlined the importance of spirituality in developing values such as honesty, compassion and self-discipline, distinguishing it from religious practices.
Such values, he held, help build resilience against addiction and other destructive behaviours.
Meanwhile, Chief Guest and Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner, Ajit Kumar Verma noted that drug abuse poses a serious challenge to the district’s future and cannot be tackled by enforcement agencies alone.
Referring to the expert’s presentation, Verma said the message that “suppression is not the solution; transformation is” should guide efforts to combat substance abuse.
He called for greater involvement of parents, schools, churches, civil society organisations and government departments, pointing out that while authorities can attempt to curb the supply of drugs, reducing demand depends on collective community action.
Verma stressed that parents should pay equal attention to the emotional well-being of children alongside their education, while educational institutions should strengthen preventive awareness among students.
He also informed that the district administration has recently established a youth counselling facility under the medical department where young people can seek guidance on health, mental well-being and substance abuse.
While acknowledging the absence of a government-funded rehabilitation centre in the district, he expressed hope that ongoing initiatives would strengthen treatment and rehabilitation services.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Surender Singh, Second-in-Command of 12 Assam Rifles said that drug addiction not only destroys individual lives but also affects families, society and the nation’s future.
Urging youth not to treat drugs as an escape from life’s challenges, he encouraged them to pursue education, maintain good health and remain focused on their goals.
The programme also featured a welcome address by Rajyogini BK Sister Rupa, Director of Brahma Kumaris, Kohima, a special performance by Assam Rifles School students, and the administration of the Nasha Mukti Pledge.
The observance concluded with the flagging off of an awareness rally from Assam Rifles Ground to Police Point (Town Square) under the campaign slogan, “Say No to Drugs, Choose Life.”
