BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 15th July 2023: : In a bid to eradicate drug abuse in Tripura, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy made a fervent appeal on Saturday for the creation of a public movement with an aims not only to free addicts from the grip of drugs but also to prevent the youth from falling into addiction
“The drive to make Tripura drug-free should be transformed into a public movement. Alongside helping addicts overcome their drug dependency, we must also focus on preventing the youth from getting addicted. It is crucial for everyone to be well-informed about the detrimental effects of addiction,” stated Minister Roy during the inauguration of the program ‘Nesha Mukt Bharat Ke Liye Khelo Tripura’ at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan today.
The sports minister further announced the adoption of a national plan called Neshamukt Bharat Abhiyan, which aims to promote healthy lifestyle habits and a drug-free India.
“As part of our mission to create a drug-free India, we are conducting awareness programs in higher education institutions, university campuses, and schools. The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in the state has partnered with the NGO ‘Swaniti Initiative’ to collaborate on this initiative. This voluntary organization has begun rehabilitating drug addicts through volleyball training in every block of the state. We have selected 90 ex-volleyball players from the state as coaches and organized a workshop for them at NSRCC. Their role will be to liberate the youth from the clutches of drug addiction through volleyball,” explained Tinku.
During the inauguration, the Youth Affairs and Sports Minister drew a parallel with the successful Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, emphasizing the importance of wholehearted acceptance by the citizens.
“What we undertake must stem from genuine dedication. Each ‘khel mitra’ (sports companion) must pledge to free at least five youths from the grip of drug addiction. Additionally, we must raise awareness about the pernicious effects of drugs,” he asserted.
