In a spirited effort to promote the message of a drug-free society, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has lined up a series of events under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, combining sports and public awareness to engage citizens across the Islands. The Department of Sports, in collaboration with various departments and organisations, announced an open Cycle Rally and Archery Competition to be held on November 1 and 2 at Port Blair, while an extensive awareness programme on drug and substance abuse was conducted at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), Dollygunj.
The activities are part of a coordinated effort to channel youth energy into sports and community participation, while simultaneously spreading awareness about the dangers of addiction. Officials noted that the integration of fitness events with social awareness campaigns reflects a balanced approach — encouraging positive lifestyles while discouraging substance dependence.
The first of the sports events, the Open Cycle Rally for Men and Women, will take off at 5.30 am on November 1 from the main gate of Netaji Stadium. The rally will cover a 12 km circuit that passes through several key city points including B.Ed College Girls Hostel, GSSS Girls School Chowk, Swimming Pool, Water Sports Complex, Dignabad Fish Market, Marine Dockyard, Phoenix Bay Power House, Fisheries Jetty, Megapode Chowk, and PS Chatham Chowk, before looping back to Netaji Stadium.
The event is open to all — school and college students, institutional groups, and the general public, on a voluntary basis. Participants are required to bring their own bicycles and report at the stadium before 5.20 am for registration and briefing. The Department of Sports has made arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe rally, with route supervision and traffic coordination in place. Those seeking additional information have been advised to contact the designated cycling coach.
Following the rally, the focus will shift to archery, one of the traditional sports gaining renewed interest among local youth. The Open Archery Competition for men and women will be held at the Archery Arena, Netaji Stadium, on November 1 and 2, starting at 8.30 am. The event, open to all categories, will be conducted in two range formats, 40 metres and 30 metres. Participants have been instructed to report at the venue by 8 am on the first day.
Officials believe that holding sporting events alongside the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign serves a dual purpose, promoting physical wellness and steering young people away from destructive habits. By engaging students and citizens in sports, the Department aims to instil discipline, focus, and a sense of community, which are viewed as powerful deterrents to substance abuse.
Meanwhile, in another major initiative under the same campaign, a comprehensive awareness programme on Drug and Substance Abuse was organised at DBRAIT, Dollygunj, by the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) under the District Administration, South Andaman. The event was held in collaboration with NAPDDR under the Directorate of Social Welfare, Anti-Narcotics Unit of A&N Police, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) under the Directorate of Health Services, Police Entertainment Team, and Alcoholics Anonymous NGO.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members of DBRAIT. The session began with an address by Rohit Paroi, Project Coordinator, IRCA, who welcomed the gathering and urged young participants to commit to a life free from addiction.
Medical Officer Dr. M.K. Mahato explained the physiological and social impact of substance abuse and discussed methods for prevention and rehabilitation. Rathindra Mallick, Psychologist and Counselor with NTCP, highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco use and its growing prevalence among youth. During the session, participants took a collective pledge to stay away from tobacco and drugs, reaffirming the campaign’s core objective of building a healthier and addiction-free society.
Asrita Falia, Project Coordinator, NAPDDR, Directorate of Social Welfare, shared insights into the status of drug addiction in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the challenges faced in addressing the issue. The President of Alcoholics Anonymous narrated a personal success story, offering hope and motivation to those struggling with recovery. Adding a cultural element, the Police Entertainment Team performed a skit depicting the destructive effects of addiction and the value of community support in overcoming it.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Anchamma, Project Assistant, NAPDDR, who appreciated the collaborative effort of all stakeholders in raising awareness and empowering youth through education and participation.
Together, the series of sports and awareness activities under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan represent a multi-dimensional approach to social reform, encouraging physical fitness, informed choices, and responsible citizenship. The Administration aims to use such initiatives to transform the Islands’ youth from passive participants into active ambassadors of a drug-free future.
As the Islands prepare for the early morning rally and archery contests, the collective message remains clear, endurance, discipline, and awareness are the strongest tools in the ongoing fight against addiction.
