Shillong, May 04: In view of the rising crimes against women and children, a Daylong Seminar on “Drug Abuse and Social Evils” was held at Burney Hills Secondary School, Tura where J D Sangma, former Director School Education and Literacy graced the inaugural function as Chief Guest. The programme was organised by Tura Garo Senior Citizen Forum (TGSCF), West Garo Hills Tura.
While addressing the gathering, J D Sangma stressed on the importance of reaching out to the youth to educate them about the menace of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse. He also said that drug abuse has become a major social concern and student has become vulnerable to fall into the trap. Therefore, he urged the students to stay away from any kind of bad habits which are detrimental to the life of a person since indulging in these activities only brings misery to one’s life.
Further, he urged the students to cultivate good, presentable and acceptable behaviour and become successful person in their future career.
In the technical session, Dr Bethel D Marak, Medical Officer, Tura Civil Hospital, Tura highlighted on the various forms of alcohol and drug abuse and their harmful effects. She also informed that taking medicine without Doctor’s prescription is equally harmful for person’s health as drug abuse. She then explained in detail about addiction or physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms and drug overdose and the treatment and counselling necessary for these patients.
She also mentioned about non-substance abuse including excessive use of internet, mobile and mobile games, facebook, whatsapp, television, etc which are hindering normal person’s life. Referring to the case history of drug addict patients, she urged the teachers and parents to pay more attention to children and take proactive steps to prevent the students from this grave disaster of drug addiction while urging the students to avoid such habits and become productive persons in the society in future.
Advocate, R R Marak dwelt at length on the subject “Social Evils” and said that these social evil have occurred due to our own inhuman act which have persisted due to the negligence in the society. Lamenting on the fact that the society being matrilineal, there are incidents of domestic violence and increasing rape cases in the state where people are reluctant to file an FIR and investigate the matter.
Earlier in the programme, Vice-President, TGSCF and former Director, Department of Fisheries, C T Sangma highlighted the aims and objectives of organising the Seminar for the benefit of the students of the area. She informed that the programme aims to create awareness and sensitise the students about the effects of drugs and substance abuse and appealed everyone to come forward and help to eradicate this social menace.
During the function, Bitson M Marak, Cultural Organising Secretary, TGSCF led the gathering in prayer while W G Momin, President, TGSCF welcomed the gathering and G C Momin, Secretary, TGSCF proposed the vote of thanks.
