Students sensitised on substance abuse, peer pressure and healthy lifestyle choices
Shillong, September 12: The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Shillong, organised an Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme (ICOP) on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong, on Saturday to raise awareness among students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage collective efforts towards building a healthy and drug-free society.
Welcoming CBC officials and resource persons, Don Bosco Technical School Principal Fr. Shiningstar Dkhar stressed the importance of the programme for students at a crucial stage of their lives.
He said the fight against drug abuse requires collective responsibility, beginning with individual awareness and extending to families, educational institutions and society. He highlighted the impact of substance abuse on young people, families and communities.
Sharing his experiences of interacting with young people facing depression and other challenges, Fr. Shiningstar urged students to understand the struggles of others and extend support to those in need. He encouraged them to become ambassadors of a drug-free society by sharing the message with their friends and families.
Shri Bipul Das, DSP Crime, East Khasi Hills, sensitised students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of making informed and responsible choices.
Explaining the impact of harmful substances on the body, Das said substance abuse can affect vital systems including the brain, heart and lungs. He also addressed common misconceptions about drug use and cautioned students that even limited or one-time use of certain substances can carry risks, particularly for developing bodies.
On peer pressure, the DSP encouraged students to recognise situations where friends or others might influence them to experiment with harmful substances. He promoted positive peer influence, urging students to support one another in making healthy choices.
Das also asked students to remain alert to behavioural changes among friends, including sudden mood changes, loss of interest in regular activities, declining academic performance, frequent absenteeism, secretive behaviour, changes in sleep or appetite and unusual tiredness or dizziness.
He encouraged students to approach parents, teachers, counsellors or other trusted adults whenever they or someone they know requires support.
The DSP further cautioned students about the health risks associated with alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, particularly among young people. He encouraged them to pursue healthier alternatives such as sports, dance, cycling, art, music and writing, besides spending time with supportive friends and family.
Das called upon students to take responsibility for their physical and mental well-being, resist peer pressure, communicate confidently and seek help when facing difficult situations. He urged them to remain informed and become responsible ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The programme also included interactive activities such as an essay competition and quiz, with students participating enthusiastically. Participants and prize winners were congratulated for their involvement and contribution towards spreading awareness about the dangers of substance abuse.
The programme highlighted the importance of sustained awareness, individual responsibility and collective action in advancing the goal of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
