Carrying the message “Say No to Drugs and Yes to Life,” the District Administration, Pherzawl, in collaboration with the District Health Society and District Social Welfare Office, has conducted a series of intensive awareness programmes under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) across several remote villages in the Tipaimukh and Vangai Range Sub-Divisions.
The campaign — part of India’s nationwide mission to combat substance abuse — focused on prevention through awareness, youth empowerment, and community-driven vigilance.
“A United Front Against Drugs”
The initiative was led by Shri Joel G. Haokip, ADC/DSWO and Nodal Officer of NMBA, Pherzawl, who has been actively championing the cause across the district. Addressing gatherings at multiple villages, he emphasized that the fight against drugs cannot be won through enforcement alone — it requires education, empathy, and community partnership.
“Drugs don’t just destroy individuals; they break families, weaken communities, and erode the future of our youth. Together, we must replace addiction with awareness and despair with opportunity,” said Shri Haokip during the awareness event at Patpuihmun.
He urged young people to invest their energy in education, skill development, and community service, while calling on parents, teachers, and village leaders to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying early signs of substance abuse.
Villages Come Together for a Shared Cause
The awareness programmes were conducted across Patpuihmun, Phulpui, Ngampabung, Thingkal, Kangreng, and Parvachom, drawing wide participation from local residents, students, and community-based workers.
Each event featured interactive sessions led by health educators, social welfare officers, and trained counsellors, addressing topics such as:
| Key Focus Areas | Details |
|---|---|
| Understanding Drug Addiction | How substance abuse affects the brain and body |
| Role of Families | Early detection, open communication, and support |
| Community Involvement | Village-level monitoring and peer awareness |
| Youth Empowerment | Opportunities in education, sports, and skill-building |
| Government Schemes | Access to rehabilitation and livelihood programs under NMBA |
ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and nurses played a crucial role in mobilizing communities and sharing health-related insights, while local residents collectively pledged to support the goal of a drug-free Pherzawl.
Strengthening Grassroots Resilience
Officials from the District Health Society highlighted the link between mental health and substance use, stressing that recovery requires not only medical attention but also social acceptance and emotional support.
The District Social Welfare Office announced plans to expand the campaign to more villages in the coming weeks, incorporating school-based activities, youth clubs, and local sports initiatives to reinforce positive community engagement.
“The message of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan must echo from every home and every village,” Shri Haokip said, adding that “Pherzawl can lead by example — through compassion, cooperation, and courage.”
Community Response: Hope and Determination
Participants expressed their gratitude to the District Administration for bringing the campaign directly to their villages. Many residents described the sessions as both informative and encouraging — especially for youth who often lack access to structured awareness programmes.
At the close of each event, participants took a collective pledge to reject drugs and to help those struggling with addiction seek help and rehabilitation.
The campaign marks a meaningful step toward building safer, healthier, and more resilient communities in Manipur’s hill districts, reinforcing that awareness is the first line of defense in the fight against addiction.