Pakyong, July 15 (IPR): Minister, Education, Sports & Youth Affairs and Law & Parliamentary Affairs Departments, Government of Sikkim, cum MLA, Namcheybong, Mr Raju Basnet, attended the Sarathi Sammellan as the Chief Guest at Dikling Senior Secondary School, Pakyong, today. The programme was organised by Sarathi 1.0, supported by Titan Company Limited.
The programme was attended by Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr Rohit Raj Mahajan; Zilla Adhyakshya, Ms Laden Lamu Bhutia; District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi; Senior Superintendent of Police, Ms Paru Ruchal; Chairperson, Commerce & Industries Department, Ms Nim Chiki Sherpa along with Chief Medical Officer; Chief Education Officer; OSDs; Teacher, student and SARATHI Coordinator.
The programme aimed to recognise and felicitate Sarathi teams from schools and villages across Pakyong District for their outstanding contributions towards substance misuse prevention, mental well-being and community awareness. It also promoted the vision of building an addiction-free and mentally healthy Sikkim.
Addressing the gathering, Minister, Education, Sports & Youth Affairs and Law & Parliamentary Affairs Departments, appreciated the efforts of Sarathi 1.0 in creating awareness among students and communities on substance abuse prevention and mental health. He highlighted the role of the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act (SADA), 2006 and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 in combating drug abuse and protecting communities from the harmful effects of narcotic substances.
The Minister further stated that, under the guidance and leadership of the Chief Minister of Sikkim, the 'Nasha Mukta Sikkim' initiative is being implemented across the State to combat substance abuse through sustained awareness, prevention and community participation. He emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in guiding the younger generation towards a healthy and disciplined lifestyle and encouraged all stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the social fabric of the State.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chief Resource Person for Sarathi, delivered a motivational address focusing on moral values, optimism, family values and spirituality. He spoke on the harmful effects of substance abuse on individuals and society, besides highlighting issues relating to mental health and suicide prevention. He stated that Sarathi continues to work towards building a healthier and sustainable society through awareness, education and community participation.
Likewise, Additional Political Secretary to the Chief Minister and Project Director, Mr Bishal Sharma, presented an overview of Sarathi 1.0, describing it as a major community welfare and anti-drug initiative operating across Pakyong District with the support of Titan Company Limited. He highlighted its focus on building an addiction free, suicide free and mentally resilient society through awareness campaigns, counselling, leadership development programmes and community participation.
He also outlined the various initiatives undertaken under Sarathi Club and Sarathi Samaj, including awareness programmes, counselling sessions, student engagement activities and community outreach programmes.
He informed that Sarathi has been facilitating awareness on various Government welfare schemes, including the Chief Minister's Scholarship Schemes and the Chief Minister's Medical Assistance Scheme (CMMAS), enabling beneficiaries to access available support. He further highlighted the initiative's efforts in rehabilitation support, innovation based interventions and capacity building programmes for educational institutions and organisations.
Principal of Dikling Senior Secondary School, Mr Deepak Sharma, expressed gratitude to Sarathi 1.0 for implementing meaningful awareness and counselling programmes in schools. He stated that such initiatives have strengthened efforts to guide students towards healthy choices and protect them from substance abuse and other harmful influences.
The programme also featured experience-sharing sessions by Sarathi trained teachers, students, ASHA workers and representatives from Samaritan Rehabilitation Centre. The speakers shared how the knowledge and training imparted through Sarathi have been applied in schools and communities to promote awareness, provide guidance and support individuals affected by substance abuse and mental health challenges.
The programme concluded with a felicitation ceremony honouring dedicated individuals and Sarathi teams for their contributions towards the "Nasha Mukta Sikkim" mission. The Namcheybong Constituency Ramayan Team, which secured third position in the State-level Ramayan Competition, was also felicitated. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the Reels and Skit Competitions organised under the theme "Nasha Mukta Sikkim Starts From Me.”
Report from DIO Pakyong