Guwahati Sept 30: Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Piyush Hazarika on Monday called upon journalists to act as social change agents in their local communities to help combat the growing menace of drug addiction among the younger generation.
Speaking as the chief guest at a special programme organized by the Social Justice and Empowerment Department at the Assam Administrative Officers’ College in Khanapara, Hazarika emphasized the crucial role journalists can play in building a drug-free society by raising awareness and educating the public.
He highlighted the state government’s firm approach towards tackling drug abuse since Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assumed office in May 2021. Under Sarma’s leadership, the Assam government has adopted a tough stance on drugs, implementing various measures to curb the issue and protect the youth.
Hazarika encouraged journalists to collaborate with the government and social organizations to spread awareness, especially among the younger generation, about the dangers of substance abuse.
Hazarika highlighted the geographical vulnerability of Assam and the Northeast as prime targets for illegal drug traffickers. He emphasized that despite the government’s best efforts, the region will never be fully drug-free without active awareness and participation from the general public.
Hazarika stressed the devastating impact of drug addiction, stating that it not only destroys individual households but also leads society toward widespread destruction.
He underlined the profound horror of drug addiction, noting that its true impact cannot be fully understood unless witnessed firsthand.
He reiterated his appeal to journalists to take a proactive role in spreading awareness and contributing to the fight against drug abuse by educating people, particularly the younger generation, about the dangers and consequences of drug addiction.
The minister also stressed the importance of treating individuals struggling with drug addiction with compassion, encouraging efforts to reintegrate them into the mainstream of society rather than isolating them. His message reinforced the need for both societal and governmental collaboration to address the issue of drug addiction effectively.
The event, which was held at the Assam Administrative Officers’ College in Khanapara, saw participation from key figures such as retired District and Sessions Judge Thaneswar Kalita, Chancellor of Nagaland University Samudra Gupta Kashyap, Director of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department Bhaskar Jyoti Manta, Deputy Secretary Rashmi Gogoi Saikia, and Special Task Force (STF) Additional SP Anurag Sharma, along with other departmental officers and experts.
A total of 74 journalists from the districts of Darang, Nalbari, Kamrup (Metropolitan), Kamrup, Morigaon, and Nagaon attended the training, which was led by departmental experts and Assam Police officers. The training was aimed at equipping journalists with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute to the fight against drug abuse in their local communities.
