Educators, students sensitised on substance abuse
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 18 2025: Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) on Monday organised a one-day academic awareness programme at Manipur Public School, Koirengei, as part of its continuing campaign against substance abuse.

The event, held under the theme "Impact of intoxicants on the Student Community", aims to sensitise students and educators on the perils of substance abuse and its impact on education and social well-being.

According to a statement issued by CADA, the programme was organised to facilitate wide-ranging discussions on substance abuse and its impacts on society, especially the younger generation.

Manipur Public School principal RK Imocha, CADA president Hijam Priyokumar, and CADA Imphal East District Committee president Seram Tamna attended the event as presidium members, while CADA secretary general Takhellambam Geetchandra Meitei was the resource person.

Addressing the gathering, Geetchandra highlighted the serious consequences of drugs and intoxicant use among students.

He said that while students are aware of the harmful effects, many still fall into the trap by experimenting once or twice, which can quickly lead to addiction.

Once addicted, he said, it becomes extremely difficult to quit and the dependency may cause life-threatening illnesses.

He explained that substance abuse can make students forgetful of lessons taught by their teachers, and in the long run, result in diseases such as HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

It can also cause mental disorders by damaging the brain.

Beyond the individual, substance abuse harms families, fuels conflicts within localities, and hinders the overall progress of society, he cautioned.

Geetchandra stressed that parents and teachers have a crucial role in preventing addiction among the youth.

He said that CADA or a handful of anti-drug groups cannot tackle the crisis alone, and only collective responsibility and a common mindset among the public can bring real change.

He urged the public to support CADA's campaign and warned against complacency, noting that while the state may seem peaceful under the present government, drug abuse is spreading rapidly.

He observed that every street corner has now turned into a drug den, unlike the past when the active presence of Meira Paibi groups helped curb abuse.

He called upon local clubs, Meira Paibi organisations and senior citizens to step forward and play a stronger role in countering the menace, and society at large to unite in the fight against drugs.

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