Ampati, June 1: In the run up to the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking which falls on June 27, the District Social Welfare Office, South West Garo Hills, organized an Awareness Programme on Drugs Abuse & Illicit Trafficking for the youth and students at Ampati Degree College on Thursday. Similar awareness programmes would be held in various parts of the district during the month.
Addressing the students on the occasion, South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Cyril V.D. Diengdoh highlighted on the ill effects of substance abuse and how substances like drugs and alcohol can become unnecessary distraction to the students and hinder them from achieving their full potential in life. He said that a person who becomes addicted to harmful substances cannot make positive contributions to the society, but rather becomes a liability and called upon the students to make right choices in life and not be limited by opportunities as they move towards their goals. He gave a motivational talk to the students advising them to dream big and remain focused on their goals in life, adding that if they are focused unwanted distractions like drugs and alcohol cannot come into their life.
During the sessions of discussion and interaction, Senior Medical & Health Officer, Dr. Lydia Marak highlighted on various forms of drugs and substance abuse, their harmful effects, how addiction to such substances begins and urged upon the students to avoid drugs at all costs, while the district Superintendent of Police, Bobby W. Momin spoke from the legal aspect on substance abuse and related crimes in the society.
The discussions revealed that there is a high number of cannabis (ganja) plantation in the district, which is part of a cultural and religious practice of some sections of the community. However, the abuse of this substance has resulted in a high incidence of mental illness being reported from the district, according to Dr. Lydia Marak.
Later, the District Social Welfare Officer, Linda J. Sangma expressed led the gathering, particularly the students in taking the pledge to stay away from all forms of substance abuse and to build a healthy society.
