In solidarity with the nationwide observance of the 5th Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), awareness programmes, pledge ceremonies, and competitions were held across Niuland, Mon, Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Kohima, on August 13, 2025.
The events aimed to combat substance abuse and promote healthy, informed choices among youth.
DIMAPUR
Social Welfare Department, in partnership with GHSS Lengrijan, conducted an awareness programme chaired by Supervisor Kalivi Zhimomi. The event began with an invocation by Anungla Pongener, followed by the NMBA pledge led by District Programme Officer Keneikesangulie Zumou. Residential Counsellor T. Meren Jamir of ICRA Prodigals Home delivered a keynote address, urging students to embrace healthy choices and reject addiction. “Addiction has never been good and has never solved anything,” he stated, calling for collective action and family engagement. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by CDPO Limasangla, who encouraged students to take the online pledge.
KOHIMA
Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) marked the fifth anniversary of NMBA with a pledge ceremony at its conference hall. Deputy Director Ruopfulenuo led the staff in reaffirming their commitment to raising awareness on the harmful effects of substance abuse. Organised under the directive of the State-level NMBA Cell, Social Welfare Department, and in coordination with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the campaign also focuses on identifying individuals affected by addiction and linking them to counseling and rehabilitation services. Similar ceremonies were held across district IPR offices.
NIULAND
District Administration, in collaboration with the District Hub for Employment of Women (SANKALP), organised the campaign at the DC Conference Hall. EAC Kelengunuo Solo, in her address, expressed concern over the rising trend of substance abuse among youth and urged them to abstain from harmful habits.
She administered the NMBA pledge, reaffirming the district’s commitment to a drug-free future.
A painting competition was held, with Akheli (RHSM School), Nimugha Awomi (Modern School), and Kumsu Awomi (St. Joseph School) securing the top three positions.
The programme was chaired by Boloka Jimo and featured a speech by Zipila Sangtam, Sr. Supervisor.
CHUMOUKEDIMA
District Administration and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao – Mission Shakti, in collaboration with NMBA, organised an awareness programme at Government High School, Diphupar B. Resource persons Ikali Wokhami, District Mission Coordinator, and Vera Sapu, Gender Specialist, spoke on Substance Abuse and Peer Pressure and Menstrual Hygiene and Health. Students were informed that substance abuse includes alcohol, tobacco, gutka, prescription drug misuse, cannabis, and inhalants. A study highlighted that 43% of tobacco users in Nagaland are from middle school, with 44% introduced through peer influence. Menstrual hygiene kits were distributed to all female participants. Philomena, Inspector, Social Welfare Department, led the NMBA pledge, reaffirming the commitment to a drug-free community.
MON
Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the District Administration, hosted a drawing competition at DRDA Hall under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.” CDPO H. Laitak Konyak briefed participants on the objectives of NMBA. Thirteen schools participated, showcasing creative expressions against drug abuse. Little Flower School won the first prize, followed by Imsha Ongh (Sacred Heart School) and Ashang (St. Joseph’s School). The event was chaired by Chemai Konyak, with invocation by Achem Konyak.