Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 20 October 2023
In a bid to raise awareness about the adverse effects of alcohol and tobacco consumption, a sensitisation-cum-awareness camp was conducted for the Andamanese (PVTG) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on October 19, 2023. The event aimed to shed light on the detrimental impacts of these substances on personal, social, and community life.
Dr. Anand Lingeswaran, MD (Psychiatry), Associate Professor, and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at ANIIMS, led the educational initiative with a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation. Through this presentation, he elucidated in great detail the negative consequences of consuming alcohol and tobacco, emphasising their detrimental effects on the well-being of individuals and the wider community.
Dr. Lingeswaran reiterated the critical need for heightened awareness among the PVTGs community, stressing the importance of making informed choices for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
The sensitisation camp went beyond one-way communication, providing an interactive platform for attendees. An open discussion and question-and-answer sessions were integral parts of the event, encouraging active participation from the 22 members of the Andamanese community residing in Port Blair.
The gathering served as an opportunity for community members to gain insights into steps they can take to lead a substance-free life, enhancing their overall quality of life and well-being.
A similar sensitisation camp is scheduled to be organised shortly on Strait Island, continuing the efforts to empower these tribal communities with knowledge and resources to combat the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco. These initiatives represent essential steps toward a healthier and more resilient PVTGs community in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.