Bhaichung delivers pep talk urging students to Say No to Drugs

EAST COPS ORGANIZE INTERSCHOOL DEBATE ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE
GANGTOK, 26 June: An interschool debate competition on the topic, “Is the intervention of teachers in the personal matters of students justified?’, was organized by Tashi Namgyal Academy here today in coordination with Sikkim Police, East District. 
Sixteen students from eight schools in and around the Capital- TNA, Paljor Namgyal Girls Senior Secondary School, Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, Holy Cross School, Taktse International School, Enchey Senior Secondary School, Deorali Girls Senior Secondary School, Bahai’s Secondary School and West Point Senior Secondary School participated in the competition. Ace footballer Bhaichung Bhutia was present as the chief guest.
Bhaichung called on students to cultivate hard work in pursuit of excellence instead of taking the easy way out and giving up.
His appeal was essentially a pep-talk nuanced with the self-effacing humility which one has come to associate with Sikkim’s proudest export. When he tried to motivate the students against giving in, he was obviously speaking from experience, having seen many talented sportspersons from these parts quitting too early in their careers and turning bitter from the experience. Substance Abuse, he shared, preyed on such weaknesses and ended up consuming lives.
In this regard, he reminded the young that when it came to addiction, it was not the drug-dependent who suffered and that everyone in his/her circle of family and friends suffered as well. The collateral damage of substance abuse was too high and they did not want to carry the guilt of the damaging so many lives of people they care about, he stressed. Think instead of the contribution you can make to the society, he appealed.
Superintendent of Police [East], Dr. MS Tuli urged the students to take inspiration from how Bhaichung had conducted himself. “Bhaichung is a role model for students who, as an icon, paved a way for many youngsters in sports and sports related activities,” he expressed.
The SP also announced today that such the debate will now be instituted as an annual feature with a rolling trophy.
TNA, speaking for the motion, was declared the winner with one of its speakers, Ashwin Niroula, adjudged the best speaker.

Namchi awareness session against substance abuse

O.D. DEATHS CAN BE PREVENTED
NAMCHI, 26 June: An awareness programme was organized by the Police Department of Namchi in collaboration with NGOs like Hope Foundation, Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Sanjivini and Drivers’ Association (South) on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the Namchi Indoor Stadium.
Project Director Mirakai and a mentor of Hope Foundation, KC Nima was the resource person of today’s programme. Speaking as a resource person, he deliberated on the main physical, mental, emotional and spiritual characteristics of a person addicted to drugs. Mr Nima sharing his 12 years of experience working with drug addicted patients informed that addiction of drugs in our society nowadays is a fatal disease which needs immediate treatment.
“It is easy to get in but difficult to come out”, stressed Mr Nima while addressing the students on drug addiction. He highlighted on the various vital signs and symptoms of a drug addict in his or her initial phase. He shared that anyone from any walk of life could catch this growing disease and therefore awareness on this issue is important in the society.
While talking on the common cause of death amongst drug addicts which is commonly known as OD (over dose), he informed that sometimes death of an addict can be prevented if the people around him are aware of helpful techniques which he physically demonstrated to the audience.
SP (South), Manoj Tewari informed the gathering on the recent cases of drug arrests in Temi and Melli and said that the South District Police Team is working tirelessly. President of Mainline Taxi Drivers Association Namchi, Arjun Rai stressed that strict action needs to be taken against those who are into the business of supplying, selling and even using these prohibited substances.
SHO Namchi Police Station, CB Basnet highlighted on SADA (Sikkim Anti Drugs Act) 2006 and the guidelines of Narcotics & Psychotic substances. While SDPO Namchi, Geege Norbu announced the award for the category of best and most creative banner and also for showcasing the most enthusiasm for today’s programme which was bagged by New Light Academy School, Namchi.
The main highlight of the programme was the anti drug abuse rally which was taken out from the Indoor stadium towards Jorethang road via Namchi bazaar and through the heart of the town, Central Park and back to the venue.
Chairman Tea Board, Gagan Rai was the chief guest on the day who also addressed the gathering earlier.