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TEZPUR: In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, the District Administration, Sonitpur, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, organized an impactful awareness programme at Conference Hall-II, Office of the District Commissioner, Sonitpur. The event aimed at sensitising vulnerable sections of society, including newly-wed couples and college students, and was held under the global theme ‘Breaking the Chain: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All.’
The programme was graced by Additional District Commissioner (Social Welfare) Kabita Kakati Konwar, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Moushumi Kalita, Assistant Commissioner and In-Charge District Child Protection Officer Iris Arman Ahmed, Joint Director of Health Services Dr Jagadish Goswami, along with CDPOs, supervisors, staff of the District Hub for Empowerment of Women, and Poshan staff. Resource persons for the programme included Rubi Kalita, District Social Welfare Officer, Sonitpur, Dr Nilesh Mohite, Consultant Psychiatrist, and Annapurna Thakuria, Counsellor, DACRC, Sonitpur.
The event commenced with a dedicated awareness session for newly-wed couples, highlighting the crucial role of parenting in early-stage prevention. Couples were sensitized about creating a safe and nurturing environment for their future children to safeguard them from the influence of drugs and other harmful substances. As a symbolic gesture, participants were presented with a plant representing the idea of nurturing a child with care, guidance, and protection for a brighter future.
An interactive session followed with college students, focusing on real-life scenarios and the consequences of substance abuse. Students were encouraged to undertake community-based initiatives and peer-led campaigns to spread awareness and actively contribute to building a drug-free society.
As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, CDPOs of all ICDS projects across the district, along with supervisors and Anganwadi Workers, have been conducting awareness generation activities at their respective levels over the past month. These sustained efforts reflect the district’s commitment to building grassroots-level resilience against drug abuse.
TINSUKIA: The Social Justice and Empowerment Department Tinsukia observed the International Day Against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the De-addiction-cum-Rehabilitation Centre (DACRC) Tinsukia on Thursday. The speakers at the awareness programme held on the occasion revealed a grievous scenario prevailing in Tinsukia.
The event, initiated by social worker of DACRC Usharani Bora and the Centre Coordinator Ritamani Hazarika, stated that during the past three years, several drug-addicted persons were cured at the Centre. Among those who addressed the gathering were Dr Biswadeep Borthakur of Tinsukia Civil Hospital, AIDS consultant Abul Ali, Director of Surjudaya Akhil Chandra Baruah, former TMB Chairman Jayanta Baruah, Officer In Charge of Tinsukia Sadar police station Paragjyoti Buragohain, Anganwadi worker Pushpanjali Gogoi, and ASHA worker Archana Sen.
Speakers were optimistic about the positive impact of such awareness programmes particularly among the youths who were in the grip of drugs even as the police and other enforcement agencies had been widely successful in checking illicit trafficking.
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