Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 30: Students in North and Middle Andaman were engaged in awareness programmes on substance abuse as the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) organised pre-event activities at Mahatma Gandhi Government College and the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Bakultala, ahead of the sixth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
IRCA, North & Middle Andaman, conducted the programmes in collaboration with Child Helpline, N&M Andaman, and higher educational institutions. Students participated in awareness activities and competitions held as part of the programmes.
Outstanding participants received appreciation prizes from the Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad, North & Middle Andaman, PRI representatives, administrative officials and other resource persons.
The Additional District Magistrate, North & Middle Andaman, attended both programmes as the chief guest and called on students to avoid substance abuse and remain focused on their goals. He also urged them to follow the campaign message, “Nashe Ko Naa, Sapne Ko Haa” (Choose your dreams, not drugs).
The programmes also provided students with information on the harmful effects of narcotic substances. The Project Coordinator of IRCA sensitised participants to the risks associated with narcotic substance use and addiction.
During the sessions, the Project Coordinator also informed students about the MANAS Helpline at 1933, which provides counselling and support related to drug use and addiction.
The awareness programmes form part of pre-event activities marking the sixth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, bringing the campaign message to students through educational institutions in North and Middle Andaman.
