ITANAGAR, Sep 17: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik has called for a “Jan Andolan” against drug abuse, involving families, educational institutions and communities in preventing substance abuse and protecting young people.
The Governor was speaking at Lok Bhavan here on Thursday while felicitating winners of the declamation and painting competitions organised by the Governor’s Secretariat under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA).
Describing drug abuse as one of the serious social challenges confronting the country, Parnaik stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy. He urged stakeholders to remain alert to early signs of substance abuse and advocated the use of technology and intelligence-based monitoring systems to check the movement and distribution of narcotic substances.
The Governor said every responsible citizen has a role in protecting society from the harmful effects of substance abuse. He called upon the competition winners and participants to act as ambassadors of the drug-free campaign and carry the message to communities across Arunachal Pradesh.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, Parnaik said that if people of the State wished to honour him, a meaningful tribute would be to translate their commitment into action by working towards a drug-free society.
The Governor emphasised that sustained public participation, awareness and preventive action are essential to addressing substance abuse and building a healthier and more responsible society.
In the painting competition for school students, Paktu Dui of Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Naharlagun secured the first prize, followed by Prasanjit Das of the same school. Subrojit Das of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Chimpu, Itanagar, secured the third prize.
In the declamation competition for college and university students, Ephesia Tatung of Arunachal Pradesh University, Pasighat, secured the first prize. Sangi Tayang of Jarbom Gamlin Government Law College, Itanagar, and Dorjee Lhamu of Dorjee Khandu Government College, Tawang, secured the second and third prizes respectively.
Certificates of participation were also presented to all contestants. Students from several higher educational institutions and schools across the State participated in the competitions, including institutions from Itanagar, Pasighat, Tawang, Ziro, Namsai and Nirjuli.
Vishwakarma Puja
The Governor, meanwhile, participated in the Vishwakarma Puja celebration at the Mahadev Mandir compound in B-Sector, Lok Bhavan complex here on Thursday. He offered prayers for peace, prosperity and progress of the people of the State.
Vishwakarma Puja, dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, regarded as the divine architect and a symbol of craftsmanship, innovation and technical excellence, is observed across the country to honour skill, hard work and creativity.
Governor Parnaik commended the organising committee for conducting the celebration and made a token contribution towards the Puja.