Students, faculty and resource persons at the workshop on “Substance Free Healthy Life” organized at NU-Lumami under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 on November 25.
LUMAMI, NOVEMBER 26 (MExN): Nagaland University organised a workshop on “Substance Free Healthy Life” on November 25 at Lumami under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 of the Government of India.
In her opening remarks, Dr Lobeno Mozhui, Chairperson of the inaugural ceremony, spoke about the alarming rise in drug use and tobacco consumption in Nagaland. Citing data shared by Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, she said the state is estimated to have around 1.2 lakh drug users, with heroin, sunflower drugs and tobacco being the most commonly used substances. Referring to survey findings, she added that 43.3% of adults in Nagaland use tobacco, significantly higher than the national average of 28.6%.
Welcoming the participants, Peter Ki, PRO of Nagaland University, expressed appreciation to Vice-Chancellor in-charge Prof MK Sinha, Prof Wangshimenla, Dean of Student Welfare, and the Nodal Officer of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan campaign at the headquarters in Lumami, along with the invited resource persons, for their commitment to addressing what he described as one of the most pressing social issues affecting the youth and families of Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, Prof MK Sinha said “wisdom lies in a healthy body and mind,” and warned that the consumption of alcohol and tobacco weakens individual health and has adverse effects on families and society. He stressed the need for harmony between policy and practice, pointing out that although Nagaland is a dry state, substance use continues. He further urged the government to strictly regulate the supply and production of tobacco.
The technical session was led by resource person S. Limawapang, Programme Manager, Care & Counselling, Mokokchung. Limawapang provided an in-depth understanding of the local context of tobacco use among the youth, explaining that cultural norms, social acceptance and peer influence continue to drive the consumption of smokeless tobacco products such as tamul, khaini, gutka and zarda.
He highlighted the severe health hazards associated with smokeless tobacco, including gum disease, tooth decay, leukoplakia and cardiovascular problems. Stressing the importance of education and awareness in preventing and overcoming substance abuse, he outlined key approaches such as stress management, physical activity, healthy alternatives, peer support, goal setting, avoiding triggers and building new routines.
