BOMDILA : An awareness programme on drug abuse and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, was organised at Sera village near Bomdila on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday.
The programme was jointly organised by the Brahma Kumaris RajYoga Meditation and De-addiction Centre, Bomdila, the West Kameng District Panchayati Raj Department and the West Kameng Police. It witnessed the participation of drug recovery youths, villagers, local youths, Panchayati Raj representatives, Gaon Burahs, women and community leaders, who reaffirmed their commitment to building a drug-free society.
Welcoming the gathering, Phuntso Tashi highlighted the need for collective responsibility, community vigilance and compassionate rehabilitation in tackling substance abuse, while appreciating the collaborative efforts of the organisers.
West Kameng Police Sub-Inspector and Reserve Officer Passang Dorjee delivered a presentation on the legal consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He urged citizens, particularly the youth, to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies in combating the drug menace.
Bomdila Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sub-Inspector Nima Tsering sensitised participants on the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. He explained children’s legal rights, mandatory reporting obligations and the collective responsibility of parents, teachers and community members in ensuring a safe environment for children.
Delivering the keynote address, Brahma Kumaris RajYoga Meditation and De-addiction Centre Bomdila and Tawang Manager BK Mina highlighted the adverse impact of drug addiction on physical and mental health, family life and society. She stressed that lasting freedom from addiction requires inner transformation through RajYoga meditation, positive thinking, self-awareness and value-based living.
Participants also took part in a guided RajYoga meditation session led by BK Mina, while several drug recovery youths shared their personal journeys of addiction, rehabilitation and recovery, inspiring the gathering with messages of hope and resilience.
The programme also featured a de-addiction-themed dance performance by Brahma Kumaris Dirang Manager BK Lexmita and a “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” street play presented by Brahma Kumaris volunteers, highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of prevention, family support and moral values.
As part of the programme, participants took an anti-drug pledge, committing themselves to abstain from drugs, discourage substance abuse, support rehabilitation efforts and work towards an addiction-free society.
Several Panchayati Raj leaders and community representatives also emphasised the importance of community participation, value-based education, strong family support and close cooperation with government agencies in eliminating drug abuse.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by a Gaon Burah, who urged participants to translate the day’s resolutions into sustained community action for a healthier and addiction-free society.
