Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre of Women Studies,Tezpur University in collaboration with Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya  organized a talk on “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” on 6th November,2024. 600 number of participants including students,faculty and staff attended the programme.

Dr. Madhurima Goswami, Head,Chandraprabha Saikiani Centre for Women Studies,delivered the welcome speech. The talk was attended by guests from Tezpur, BK Kamala, Rajyoga trainer and Mr.Pranjal Saikia, Director ITI.

Dr.Mousumi Mahanta, Assistant Prof,CSCWS, introduced the speaker,Dr.Sachin Parab to the house.

Dr. Sachin Parab, a renowned Councellor,Hypnotherapist,Corporate Trainer, deliberated on Science of Addiction and challenges in India. Purpose and Objectives of the topic is to increase awareness among students, educators, and parents about the prevalence and types of addictions affecting students, such as substance abuse, gaming, social media, or other behavioural addictions.

A brief introduction to substance and behavioural abuse was given at first followed by how India is considered as the capital of oral cancer considering the fact that it is also surrounded by the golden crescent and golden triangle of opium production.

Assam is also very vulnerable to addiction and in the near future chances are high that it will become a highly addicted state like that of Punjab.

With the influence of the substance abuse the Indian youth is falling into trap of destruction. The speaker suggested youth to be not prone to the addiction in the name of depression and addiction of alcohol and drugs rather to be inclined towards spirituality and meditations. He also suggested 12DSs for quitting addiction.  

The speaker gave examples of Surrogate Advertising of tobacco and pan masalas in India, including advertisement of tobacco and pan masala by renowned civilian award receiving actors.

In India daily 3700 people die due to diseases caused by tobacco consumption and yearly 1350000 people die due to tobacco. 67% of the addicted population is from the age group 12-17 years, 26% belongs to young adults, (18-25) and 5.5% belongs to adult.

The question of how serious of an issue substance abuse is but still why the institutions are adamant to not banning it completely and rather promoting with huge superstars was raised by the student.

Dr. Parab stated how everything depends upon the consumer’s mind-set. In addition, he also added that the production will not stop until and unless the workers whose economic dependence lies onto it are to be provided with rather alternate sources of income.

Dr. Ivy Daimary offered the vote of thanks, thanking the speaker and all the guests and the participants.