Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 30 June 2025
In a concerted effort to combat substance abuse and foster a drug-free society, HumaneTouch, a leading non-governmental organization, organised a series of awareness programs across nine locations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The programs, held on 26th June 2025, aimed to educate the public—particularly students and rural communities—about the legal, health, and social consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Each location featured a unique blend of expert talks, motivational sessions, and active community participation.
In Diglipur, the awareness event at Old Durgapur Community Hall featured Police Constable Soma Day, who elaborated on the legal repercussions of drug abuse, and Dr. Shipra Mistry, who spoke on its damaging health effects. HumaneTouch representative Uman Khan delivered a motivational address on community resilience and empowerment.
At Mayabunder, the program drew 45 participants and featured an address by Dr. Priyanka Iqbal on addiction-related health issues. The event also saw participation from local leaders including Mr. Thomson, Pradhan of Rampur. K. Nausad Ali welcomed the attendees, and M. Yusuf concluded with a vote of thanks.
The session in Rangat, held at the ITI Bakultala auditorium, was geared toward students. ASI Rajani Kullu from PS Rangat and Health Educator K.K. Gharami discussed the legal framework and health challenges related to drug use. A. Irfan spoke on behalf of HumaneTouch.
In Kamorta, healthcare professionals Dr. Shabnam Salim, Dr. Nirmal Kumar Bajpai, and Dr. Solomon Mark Paul focused on increasing medical awareness about substance abuse, while MK Arshad shared a community-oriented message.
Campbell Bay hosted a dynamic program graced by Mrs. Bindu Verma, Principal of GSSS Campbell Bay, as Chief Guest, and Mrs. Rameshwari, Pradhan, as Guest of Honour. Dr. Rajeshwari (Ayurveda) and forensic expert Simran Kaur (SOCO) led the awareness talks. HumaneTouch was represented by Br. N. Mohd Shakir and Br. N. Mohd Shafique, while Br. Suresh Kumar served as the anchor and Br. A. Arshad delivered the vote of thanks.
In Hutbay, the campaign included contributions from SI Regan Isaac, Pradhan Rudra, and P. Mujib Rehman. In Baratang, speakers included HC G. Madhav Rao, Dr. Santhosh Kumar, and HumaneTouch members M.K. Naseef and N. Shahid.
Car Nicobar witnessed collaborative efforts from medical professionals Dr. Mohammad Shafique and Dr. Jiji Paul, alongside C. Sainudheen and social worker Brij Mangal Rai, who sensitized the public on the harmful effects of drugs.
At Wimberly Gunj, an estimated 150 people attended the awareness event. SHO of PS Bambooflat, S. Kannan, served as Chief Guest. Health Educator P. Yousuf, Sub-Inspector Manoj Lall, and HumaneTouch’s N. Yassir emphasized the need for early prevention and collective community action. PRI members and NGOs from the Ferrargunj tehsil participated actively.
The island-wide initiative reinforced HumaneTouch’s unwavering commitment to curbing drug and alcohol abuse through education, health advocacy, and grassroots mobilization, leaving a profound impact across the archipelago.
