The Directorate of Social Welfare, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, organized an awareness programme on the Ill Effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, as part of its efforts to educate youth about substance abuse prevention and mental well-being. The session was held at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) and attended by first-year B.Sc. Geography students.
The event, led by the Project Assistant (NAPDDR), brought together resource persons from multiple departments, including the Directorate of Health Services, Police Department (Anti-Narcotics CID), and Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA). The team included a Medical Officer, Psychologist-cum-Counselor (NTCP), and senior police officials specializing in anti-narcotics enforcement. Their combined expertise aimed to give students a comprehensive understanding of both the physical and psychological dangers of substance abuse.
During the session, resource experts highlighted the harmful impact of alcohol and drugs on physical health, academic performance, and social relationships. Students were sensitized on how addiction often begins with experimentation and gradually leads to dependency, affecting not only individuals but also families and communities. The speakers emphasized the importance of adopting responsible, healthy lifestyles and encouraged students to make informed decisions.
As part of the awareness initiative, a QR code for the Nasha Mukt Bharat e-pledge was displayed during the programme, allowing participants to digitally commit to a drug-free life. Students scanned the code to take the pledge, joining thousands of others across India in supporting the nationwide movement against substance abuse.
The Directorate of Social Welfare’s outreach aligns with the Government of India’s vision under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, which focuses on preventive education, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals affected by addiction. Through such local interventions, the Administration aims to strengthen early awareness among students and young adults, a demographic particularly vulnerable to peer pressure and substance experimentation.
Officials from the Directorate highlighted that the focus of these awareness campaigns is not merely deterrence but empowerment through knowledge and peer-led engagement. By promoting student involvement, the Directorate encourages the creation of “peer ambassadors” who can further spread awareness within their social circles and academic environments.
Students were also educated about the available counseling and rehabilitation resources in the islands. The health experts explained how addiction is treatable with early intervention and consistent medical and psychological support. The session provided practical tips for identifying warning signs, handling stress without reliance on substances, and seeking timely help from professionals.
Police representatives shared insights into how narcotic abuse often links to wider social issues such as crime, unsafe behavior, and loss of productivity. They urged participants to act as responsible citizens by reporting illegal activities or substance use in their surroundings, reinforcing the role of community vigilance in achieving a drug-free society.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, allowing students to clarify their doubts and share reflections on the topic. Organizers expressed hope that young attendees would internalize the message and influence their peers positively.
The Directorate of Social Welfare plans to continue such outreach drives across schools and colleges in the coming months, extending the reach of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to a larger audience. Officials have also emphasized collaborations with educational institutions to integrate regular awareness sessions into academic calendars, ensuring sustained engagement with youth communities.
The programme reflects the Administration’s commitment to creating a safe, aware, and health-conscious society, where prevention through education is prioritized over punitive measures. By reaching out to students, the future torchbearers of the community, the Social Welfare Department underscores that the fight against addiction begins with awareness, empathy, and proactive participation.
Through initiatives like these, the Directorate reaffirms that combating substance abuse is not only a policy goal but a collective responsibility, one that depends on informed youth, responsible citizens, and strong institutional support across the islands.
