JOLLANG : In a collective show of commitment against substance abuse, Stepping Stone De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre, in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris RajYoga Meditation & De-addiction Centre, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with an awareness programme at Geko Sports Club, Jollang on Friday.
Held under the theme “Transforming Craving into Character, Dependency into Dignity through RajYoga,” the programme brought together recovering youths, youth leaders, social workers, police officials, spiritual educators and community members to promote a drug-free and value-based society.
The programme began with a welcome song presented by inmates of the rehabilitation centre, whose performance reflected hope, resilience and the possibility of recovery through determination and support.
Welcoming the gathering, Stepping Stone De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre Managing Director Kago Nyime described addiction as a multidimensional social challenge requiring compassionate rehabilitation, family support, community participation and sustained psychological and spiritual empowerment. He reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to restoring dignity and confidence among individuals recovering from substance dependence through holistic rehabilitation and counselling.
Niti Vihar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Takhe Tasso explained the legal provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and urged young people to remain vigilant against drug peddlers while extending full cooperation to law enforcement agencies. He also highlighted the far-reaching social, economic and legal consequences of drug abuse and trafficking, calling upon the youth to embrace discipline, responsible citizenship and positive life choices.
Delivering the keynote address, Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) Professor and Brahma Kumaris Senior Faculty Trainer Prof Jayadeba Sahoo spoke on the transformative role of RajYoga meditation in overcoming addiction. He said substance dependence often stems from emotional insecurity, loss of self-worth and negative thought patterns, and emphasised that RajYoga helps strengthen self-control, emotional resilience, positive thinking and spiritual awareness, thereby supporting long-term recovery and preventing relapse.
Prof Sahoo stressed that successful rehabilitation extends beyond physical detoxification and requires inner transformation through value-based living. He called for the integration of value education, meditation and spiritual well-being into de-addiction and preventive healthcare programmes.
One of the highlights of the programme was the sharing of personal recovery stories by former addicts, who narrated their journey from addiction to rehabilitation. Their testimonies underscored the importance of professional treatment, family support, determination and spiritual guidance in rebuilding their lives.
Addressing the gathering, Brahma Kumaris member BK Jyoti highlighted the physical, psychological, social and economic consequences of substance abuse and urged young people to cultivate positive values, self-discipline and healthy company.
Brahma Kumaris Manager BK Junu encouraged participants to adopt the RajYoga lifestyle based on self-awareness, meditation and positive thinking. She later conducted a guided RajYoga meditation session and administered an anti-drug pledge, with participants resolving to stay away from intoxicants, support individuals in recovery and work towards building a compassionate, drug-free society.
Speaking on the occasion, Obin Cozy appreciated the joint initiative of Stepping Stone De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre and the Brahma Kumaris, observing that lasting success against drug abuse requires coordinated efforts by families, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, spiritual organisations and the youth.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge by participants to combat substance abuse through awareness, rehabilitation, spiritual empowerment and collective social responsibility, reaffirming that lasting freedom from addiction begins with inner transformation.
