The students of the Centre for Studies in Journalism & Mass Communication (CSJMC), Dibrugarh University partnered with Dibrugarh-based News &Media portal Dibrugarh 24X7 to launch‘Nazariya’, a series of long-form discussions to bring forth less talked about but critical issues on diverse local and world issues. The talk show is a part of their current 45-day campaign on Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation awareness titled #HopesUpDrugsDown which began on 15th May and will go until 29th June to accelerate the message of the importance of seeking help against drug abuse and the lasting benefits that rehabilitation provide. This is the second phase after a one-month-long Phase-I starter campaign in February this year.
A first-of-its-kind in Dibrugarh, the debut episode was held with a panel of esteemed members comprising of IPS Shwetank Mishra, Superintendent of Police (Dibrugarh), Dr Pranit Kumar Chaudhury, Former HOD, Dept. of Psychiatry, AMCHDibrugarh, Plabona Borah GoswamiPresident, Pratyavartan NGO, Dibrugarh, Narayan Upadhyay, Secretary, Pratyavartan NGO, Dibrugarh, RashmirekhaChangmai, Assistant Professor, Centre for Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dibrugarh University and Dr TrishnaDuarah, Assistant Professor, Department of English, DHSK College, Dibrugarh.
The talk show will air on Dibrugarh 24X7’s social media platforms as the first episode of ‘Nazariya’ on 26th June to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Commenting on the issue, Shwetank Mishra said, “The issue of drugs and substance abuse is a serious issue in the state of Assam and Assam Police is working dedicatedly to address this. But, at the same time, much work on awareness and education needs to be done which is of utmost importance from not just the individual’s end but the public overall and take cognizance of the shared duty towards eachother.”
Dr.P.K.Chaudhury, also a Drug De-addiction specialist, said,” We can start by using the term ‘substance abuse’ instead of ‘drug abuse’ since the drug is a commonly misplaced word. The path to rehabilitation is an acutely intensive process and for it to be called a success, all stakeholders including educators, the police force, and medical practitioners must all come together to work toward it sensitively. I must congratulate the organizers for their efforts in bringing this conversation to the limelight which I say, must be continued dialogue and not end here.”
Plabona Bora Goswami shared her motive to hold implementable decisions and said, “ Our organization has been committedly working towards reducing the taboo around rehabilitation. We have worked with various educational institutes in the past and we hope to continue to do the same with the educators and with honourable SP Sir in the esteemed panel today to help build a drug-free Dibrugarh and Assam.”
Narayan Upadhyay, a victim of substance abuse and now dedicated to the cause of rehabilitation said, “Looking back, I realise that there could be rough times wherein in you may lose everything that mattered to you. In such a vulnerable time, it is when an individual reaches out to substances to help endure the loss. But this is a temporary solution that can break your life. What is often missing is a genuinely helping hand that can help the person wade through the tough times. Continuous conversations are key than leaving an addict alone.”
RashmirekhaChangmai who has been overseeing her student’s undertake of this campaign commented, “I am proud of my students for executing what was simply a classroom assignment to bringing this project to life for people who may actually need it. We will continue to have these important conversations going forward.”
Commenting on the issue, Dr TrishnaDuarahsaid “As a citizen of Dibrugarh who has lived in Dibrugarh for more than 40 years, I would say matters are yet to change from what it was to how we would like it to be. My role as an educator and social activist helps me identify sensitive situations where students may shy away from seeking help because of fear of getting mocked. But it should be treated as a challenge that is curable with correct and timely guidance. I would urge everyone to please do their part as a contribution to the society we live in.”
As part of their assignment, the students of the Centre for Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dibrugarh University specialising in Public Relations, have been using their subject of study of communications to bring difficult conversations around social causes to the table within the Dibrugarh district.
Nazariya collaborated with Lions Club Dibrugarh and NE-On Tours as their Volunteer partner, Tasty Treat as Food & Beverage Partner and Finewoods as Furniture Partner.
The month-long campaign strives to offer an open space for respectful conversations about drug abuse and address the reasons behind the taboo around seeking rehabilitation and aims to occupy a significant place in the public consciousness for the future.
