Shillong: The Meghalaya social welfare department, in collaboration with the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM), organised an anti-drug awareness programme in Shillong on Friday as part of its efforts to eradicate substance abuse and empower the youth.The event, held under the patronage of CM Conrad K Sangma at the State Guest House in Taraghar, was themed ‘Pulse of the Hills: Every Beat against Drugs’. It focused on community participation, youth engagement and coordinated intervention to build a drug-free Meghalaya.Actor, producer and entrepreneur John Abraham and legislator & govt adviser Paul Lyngdoh participated in an interactive session on the role of sports and youth development in preventing substance abuse.John, co-owner of Northeast United FC, described the northeast as “hotbed of football” and advocated for a disciplined, substance-free lifestyle.Lyngdoh highlighted Meghalaya’s rapid advancements and pointed to the construction of India’s biggest football stadium in Shillong.A van, driven by the state social welfare department and supported by the DREAM Mission and dedicated to the Asha Bhavan rehabilitation centre in Tura, was launched to strengthen the state’s ongoing drug reduction, elimination, and action initiatives.Social welfare director Saloni Verma said the govt was committed to combating all forms of substance abuse, driven by a focus on prevention, recovery and hope.
