India: Promoting drug use awareness and youth empowerment in the Northeast

 

Sikkim, India/March 30, 2019: UNODC experts called on the Honourable Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad, at the Raj Bhawan in Gangtok.

The meeting was aimed at strengthening engagement with the Government of Sikkim on youth-specific programs to address drug use in India's Northeast region.

The Honourable Governor extended his support towards such initiatives and said that it was important to empower young people and promote healthy and safe lifestyles. The Honourable Governor also assured to place the matter at the appropriate forum and suggested that such initiatives be implemented through institutions of higher learning and governmental organisations. 

UNODC also participated in a National Conclave on Youth Empowerment against Drug Use, organised by the ICFAI University Sikkim in association with the Pranab Mukherjee Foundation. The conclave was attended by nearly 800 youth participants and educators. Stressing that "drug use needs a public health response," participants highlighted the need to adopt a humane approach while dealing with drug users. 

Speakers at the program included Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, Judge, High Court of Sikkim, Mr. Karma Chewang Nima, Freedom Facility Rehabilitation Centre; Dr Sudhakar Paul, leading educator; Dr K.K Paul, former Governor of Meghalaya and Manipur, and Chairman, Pranab Mukherjee Foundation, Dr Parvez Hayat, Former Additional Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development, and Mr. Maju Mathew and Mr. Samarth Pathak from the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia.