Agartala, 17th June 2026: A two-day workshop focusing on adolescent health, mental well-being, drug prevention, and LGBTQIA+ issues commenced today at Pragya Bhavan in Agartala. The programme has been organized by the West Tripura District unit of the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) in collaboration with ‘Swabhimaan’.
The workshop brought together school headmasters, assistant headmasters, and representatives from the queer community, aiming to foster dialogue and strengthen institutional responses to emerging challenges faced by adolescents.
Addressing the gathering, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar highlighted several pressing concerns affecting the youth of the state, including substance abuse, child marriage, and school dropouts. He emphasized that adolescent girls who discontinue their education often become vulnerable to early marriage, underscoring the need for timely intervention.
Dr. Kumar pointed out that a significant number of individuals begin experimenting with drugs between the ages of 15 and 25, making early preventive measures crucial. He stressed the importance of ensuring mental stability among students at the school level to prevent them from drifting toward addiction. Referring to recent data trends indicating a rise in such issues, he stated that the government is now focusing on grassroots-level interventions, asserting that prevention remains the most effective cure.
The workshop sessions are designed to equip educators with strategies to enhance student engagement, promote mental health awareness, and address gender and identity-related challenges. Participants are also being sensitized to create inclusive and supportive school environments that contribute to the holistic development and protection of students across the district.
