Itanagar, Nov 6: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik has voiced deep concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, describing it as a serious social threat that undermines the progress and wellbeing of the state.
Highlighting the grave impact of substance abuse, the Governor said that drug addiction is not merely a personal problem but a “social poison” that destroys families, weakens communities, and jeopardizes the future of the youth.
“It leads to crime, poor health, broken homes, and loss of productivity. No village can progress when its youth fall prey to addiction,” he cautioned.
Calling for a united societal response, Governor Parnaik, a strong advocate for the holistic development of Arunachal Pradesh, urged all stakeholders to treat the issue as “a battle for the soul of society”. He emphasized the need to identify vulnerable youths and guide them toward sports, skill training, and community-based activities as constructive alternatives.
The Governor made these remarks while interacting with a delegation of Gaon Burahs and Gaon Buris from Ziro, Lower Subansiri district, who called on him at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, on Thursday. The delegation, led by Yachang Tacho, Political Interpreter, Ziro, comprised 16 Gaon Buris and 7 Gaon Burahs from Dutta, Mudang Tage, and Bamin villages.
During the interaction, the Governor discussed various social and developmental issues, including natural farming, the Smart Village concept, and the overall progress of the state. He said that the Gaon Burahs and Gaon Buris are the torchbearers of change in villages and the first guardians of people’s welfare, whose leadership determines the health, happiness, and future of their communities.
“The development of our nation begins not in offices, but in villages — with committed leaders like you who turn vision into action,” the Governor said.
Emphasizing cleanliness and hygiene, the Governor reminded the GBs of the message of Swachh Bharat, stating that cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility, not just a government programme. “A clean environment means fewer diseases, healthier families, and a stronger community,” he added.
The Governor also commended the GBs for undertaking adult education courses, particularly a Basic English course to enhance their literacy and communication skills, stressing that education is the most powerful tool to transform a village.
“Ensure that every child, boy or girl, completes basic education before stepping into adulthood. An educated child becomes an empowered citizen — a future doctor, teacher, or leader. When a child drops out, the entire community loses a part of its future,” he told the visitors.
Later, the delegation visited the Raj Bhavan complex, where they observed a series of innovative pilot projects in horticulture, animal husbandry, and agriculture being implemented under the Governor’s initiatives. These model projects, tailored to suit the state’s unique climate, terrain, and traditional practices, aim to inspire farmers, youth, and communities across Arunachal Pradesh to adopt modern, sustainable, and income-generating methods.