The District Administration Kohima, in collaboration with the Kohima District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) Committee, organized a “Pledge Against Drug Abuse & Awareness Program on Substance Abuse Primary Prevention” across three government schools- GHS, Chandmari, GMS, Merhülietsa and GHSS Jotsoma. The initiative aims to raise awareness and strengthen community resolve to combat the growing menace of substance abuse among youth.
At Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Jotsoma, the resource person was Dr. R. Rose representing Youth Mission, a centre that provides comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery services.
Dr. Rose shared poignant experiences from his work, emphasizing that addiction is not a moral failure but a chronic, relapsing disease requiring consistent care and empathy. He highlighted the disturbing rise in substance use among teenagers. “Addiction doesn’t care about age or education. I have students, young professionals, even teenagers as young as 16 fall into the trap,” he said.
Dr. Rose spoke candidly about emerging and dangerous forms of substance misuse, including combinations of Yaba, Spasmo Proxyvon, cough syrups, crystal meth, and also talked about increasing use of sunflower, a type of heroin being misused by youth for their intoxicating effects. “They may seem harmless—even natural—but these substances alter brain chemistry and slowly lead to dependency,” he warned.
He recounted cases of clients consuming up to 10 bottles of cough syrup a day, and others spending over ₹2,000 daily on drugs. “They end up stealing, manipulating, and emotionally hurting their families. The worst part is when they forget their own children, their homes, and their dignity. Drugs take everything from them. You are the most vulnerable group, but also our greatest hope. If you stay away from drugs, demand will fall, business will crumble, and lives will be saved.”
He reminded students that even a single poor decision can change the trajectory of their lives. “You can lose your health, your peace, and your purpose in a single night. Choose wisely. Your future depends on the choices you make today.”
Concluding his address, Dr. Rose offered words of encouragement drawn from his personal journey. “At 76, I still work in the fields, walk without assistance, and speak to young people like you. That’s the reward of a disciplined life. In my home, we have a family motto written on the wall: ‘By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honour, and life.’ That is what I pass on to you today. Stay humble. Respect your body. Fear God. Choose life.”
As part of the program, the NMBA Pledge was administered by Rorheu Pesieye, Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Kohima Sadar, while the Youth Anti-Drug Pledge was led by S.I. Thungchamo Mozhui, 2nd Officer-in-Charge, South Police Station, Kohima.
The event also featured a signature campaign, an invocation by Neivakrano Zashumo, and a special performance by Class 12 students. The program, chaired by Walo, concluded with a united call for young people to rise above peer pressure, misinformation, and social acceptance of substance use.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
