Shillong, June 26: A Centre of Evolution at Reid Provincial Chest Hospital was unveiled by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma during the observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking here on Friday (June 26).
This centre will help individuals with addiction through medical, therapy, counselling and regular support.
Besides the chief minister, the Day was observed on Friday ( June 26) here Shillong that was attended by the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, Minister, Tourism etc Timothy D Shira among others.
In his address, Conrad, while expressing gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking said, “This day unites governments, communities, educators, faith based organisations in a shared mission to eradicate drug misuse, end illicit drug trafficking and replace the stigma of addiction with compassion and empathy.” He also added that the DREAM that had started as a mission is now a movement bringing different sections of society together in the fight against drug abuse. He also said that efforts against drug abuse are being made at every level but there was no coordination and DREAM Mission was bringing all these stakeholders, individuals and organisations together. “While we bring all together it is also important not to just talk but to act and come up with concrete steps and slowly and steadily government is supporting different individuals and organisations working towards the same mission any goal.”
The chief minister also said that the day is being observed that just as an annual calendar event but to thank all stakeholders for their efforts in their fight against drug abuse and also to give the necessary support. “We are also here to listen to you and your suggestions. He also said that it is very important to involve not only the stakeholders but the common people also in this movement against drug abuse. “Until that does not happen it will have the kind of impact that we desire so we have to connect to the common people,” he added.
He also added that addiction is not only to drugs or substances and stated, “All of us are addicted to something or the other be it mobile phones, screen time, shopping etc and there is room for improvement for everyone and everybody needs help at certain point of time.”
The chief minister also led the gathering in the administration of the pledge.
Cheques were also presented to Achik Welfare Society, Tura, The Bridge Society, Nongstoin, Khasi Presbyterian Assembly (Selda), Jowai, Dream Solace- Centre For Hope & Recovery, Shillong for their activities in drug abuse awareness, support and care for drug abusers and rehabilitation and integrating back into the society. Certificates were given to Recovery Champions, Community Champions and Outreach & impact Awards were given during the occasion. The prize winners for the Best Drawing and Drawing with Most Likes were also awarded and the Recovery Track Portal was also launched.
Memorandum of Understanding between Social Welfare department, DREAM & SEWA Inland, Tura.
Post the Inaugural Session, Disrupting drug Trafficking & Organised Crime: CommunityPartnership For a Safer Society by Aditya Goenka, Inspector General of Police (CID), Meghalaya, Shillong, Educate, Empower, Prevent: Schools as The First Line of Defence Against Drug Abuse And Organised Crime by Banteilang J Kharshandy, Joint Secretary, Education Department & Director, School Education & Literacy, Meghalaya, Prevention, Early intervention And Treatment: Breaking The Cycle of Substance Use Disorders by Dr Sandawiat D Lyngwa, Psychiatrist, MIMHANS, Shillong formed the subjects for the Technical Session while Skit Performance by DREAM Youth Ambassadors and Song presentation titled ‘Break These Chains’ by Wavelength were the other features of the day.
