ITANAGAR, Sep 22: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.) launched the State-level ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat- Nasha Mukt Arunachal Abhiyan’ at a launching programme organised at Dera Natung Government College here on Friday.
The programme witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dera Natung Govt. College and Rajyoga Education & Research Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Itanagar.
In his address, the Governor said that ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat- Nasha Mukt Arunachal Abhiyan’ is not just a campaign but a commitment to the wellbeing of the people. By tackling the root cause of drug abuse, raising awareness and providing support, it aspires to pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for the state and the nation.
The Governor commended the Brahma Kumaris and the college management for signing the MoU. Terming it a challenging task, he however expressed hope that the endeavour will bring good results and go a long way in fortifying a promising future for the youth of the state.
Parnaik emphasised on a healthy family environment at home as a first and foremost step towards 'Nasha Mukt' society. A good upbringing of a child will never give a chance to stray and pick up bad habits, he opined.
The Governor said that the State Government is committed and has Arunachal Pradesh Psychoactive Substance Policy 2021 in place, but he underscored the involvement of  society as a whole to assist those going into addiction. He appealed to the people not to neglect even one individual and help the person to get rid of the bad habit.
Drug addiction is a serious issue and calls for strong action against drug peddlers and suppliers, he said. Parnaik suggested for use of technology in tracking peddlers and drug suppliers. With real-time tracking, we can keep an eye and eradicate drug menace from our society, the Governor said. 
Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Alo Libang, in his address, strongly called upon the youths comprising mostly students to shoulder the responsibility of making the state free from any kind of addictions and substance abuse.
Terming the day as historic, he urged the students to be proactive in this regard and abide by the pledge taken on the occasion to stay away from addictions.
"Our state is witnessing speedy development in all sectors," the minister said, and expressed his gratitude to the Brahma Kumaris centres for their endeavour towards saving the future of Arunachal Pradesh. Advising them to stay optimistic in life, Libang appealed all to support the fight against drug abuse and any kinds of addictive substances as responsible citizens.
Government had adopted a legislation in the line and Arunachal Pradesh Psychoactive Substances Policy is in place to eradicate the menace from society, the minister stated, adding rehabilitation centres have been set up in some districts for necessary treatment and counseling of the addicts.
Earlier, Secretary to Governor Darade Sharad Bhaskar, while appreciating the Brahma Kumaris for their selfless services for the betterment of society, stressed on the need to check the demand and supply of these abusive substances, besides proper counseling to the addicts as it tends to many criminal activities. Stating that peer pressure among the youngsters lead to addictions, he called upon the students not to succumb to such pressures for a healthy life and society.
Dr M.Q. Khan, Principal, DNGC, speaking on the occasion, highlighted on the NMBA. He said that the rate of drug addiction in the state is high, mostly in adolescent age and hence launching of NMBA is necessitated to control drug addictions, premature deaths etc through creating awareness, educating and counseling. He also spoke on the significance of meditation for one’s personality development to wean away from wrong path and deal with peer pressures among the students.
Dr. Banarasi Lal Saha, Secretary, Medical Wing of Rajyoga Education & Research Foundation (RERF), Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, informed that GoI, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has signed a MoU with the Brahma Kumaris, RERF on March 4, 2023 to undertake the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan for eradicating addictions from the country through change in lifestyle, counselling and meditation.
Dr. Sachin Parab, National Coordinator, “My India-Addiction free India Campaign”, BK, Mumbai, in his keynote address gave a detailed demonstration on their initiatives taken across around 180 countries and highlighted on the ill effects of addictions through a power point presentation. In a very lively presentation, Dr Parab motivated the student attendees to shun wrong practices and channelize their energy in positive way for an addiction free society.
Brahma Kumar Prof. Jayadeba Sahoo and Asst Professor, DNGC, Dr. Ratna Tayeng also spoke on the occasion.
On the occasion, Manager, Brahma Kumaris, Itanagar Centre, Brahma Kumari Junu administered the Nasha Mukt (De-addiction) pledge to the participants.
As part of the programme, Rajyoga Teacher from Tezpur, Brahma Kumari Kamala conducted a meditation session on the occasion.
Special invitees, faculty members of Dera Natung Govt. College and other educational institutes, NSS programme officers and volunteers and students from different colleges and schools of the Capital Itanagar participated in the launching programme.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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