The ‘Breaking the Silence’ (BTS) campaign, a youth-driven initiative aimed at combating stigma surrounding substance abuse and mental health, has entered its third phase with a series of awareness programmes held in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh on September 26.
Organised by the ACTS Connect team, the campaign featured sessions at Arunachal University of Studies and outreach visits to Sudharghar Lathao Drugs De-addiction Centre and Hope DDAC De-addiction Centre.
Miss Meghalaya 2024 and Miss Earth India 2025, Bahun Nongrum, addressed participants on the importance of empathy, dialogue and community support in overcoming mental health and addiction-related challenges.
Launched in 2023, BTS began in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland, and expanded to Meghalaya in 2024. With a focus on youth engagement, the campaign promotes long-term community transformation through education, awareness and open conversations.
The initiative also supports Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP) projects of youth ambassadors including Miss Northeast 2023 Kenei Ritse, Miss Nagaland 2023 Neiketuno Sechii and Miss Nagaland 2022 Hikali Achumi. In its latest phase, new youth icons—Femina Miss India North East 2024 Angelia Marwein, Miss Arunachal Pradesh 2024 Tadu Lunia, Miss Meghalaya 2024 Bahun Nongrum and Miss Chümoukedima 2024 Lovikali Swu—have joined the campaign to amplify positive change and serve as relatable voices for young people.
Institutional support for the campaign includes the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Departments of Social Justice and Empowerment and Tribal Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and Recovery Wellness Society, Assam.
Organisers stated that the campaign continues to generate public discourse and social media engagement through hashtags such as #BreakTheSilence.
While acknowledging progress made in reducing stigma, they emphasised the need for sustained advocacy and collaboration to ensure nationwide impact.
‘Breaking the Silence’ Phase-III begins with youth outreach in Arunachal
Correspondent