Kohima, Nov 3 A regional awareness campaign aimed at tackling substance abuse and mental health stigma among young people was launched here on Tuesday, with programmes planned across four northeastern states.
The fourth edition of ‘Breaking the Silence’, an initiative of ACTS (Aid, Care Trust and Support) Connect, will cover Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya through awareness programmes in educational institutions and communities.
Launched in 2023 as a community outreach initiative, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, improve mental health literacy and encourage young people to seek timely help without fear of social stigma.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch event at Mt Olive College, ACTS Connect Director Bendang Imsong said mental health struggles and substance abuse had remained hidden for too long due to fear, shame and social stigma.
He said the campaign was initiated to encourage open dialogue, challenge myths and misinformation, and create supportive environments in families, educational institutions and communities.
Imsong said previous editions had brought together government departments, educational institutions, Assam Rifles, health professionals and youth ambassadors to spread awareness across the Northeast.
Major General HS Mavi, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), urged young people to speak openly about their struggles and support friends and family members facing mental health challenges.
He said acknowledging a problem was not a sign of weakness but demonstrated courage and strength, adding that timely acceptance and support could help prevent problems from escalating into substance abuse.
“Let’s break the silence. The sooner, the better,” Mavi said, urging young people to lend a helping hand and listen to those going through difficult times.
Bahun Nongrum, Miss Divine Beauty India 2026 and first runner-up at Miss Earth India 2025 as well as Miss Meghalaya 2024, said addiction was a health condition and not merely a lack of willpower.
Highlighting peer pressure, curiosity, stress and emotional difficulties as some factors that could lead to substance abuse, she urged young people to make informed choices and seek help from trusted adults and qualified health professionals.
She also called for compassion towards people struggling with addiction, saying they deserved support and respect rather than humiliation.
Lovikali Swu, Miss Grand India Nagaland 2026, emphasised the importance of recognising emotional distress and encouraging people to seek help before their problems become overwhelming.
She urged students to check on their friends, listen to family members and seek professional support when necessary, stressing that mental health struggles should not be treated as a matter of shame.
The beauty pageant titleholders are serving as ambassadors of ACTS Connect for the campaign.
Managing Director of ACTS Connect Ainato Yeptho said the fourth edition would continue with a series of programmes, beginning with an event at St Xavier Higher Secondary School in Jalukie on Thursday.
The campaign will subsequently move to Jorhat on November 11 and Tezpur on November 12, before concluding with a grand finale at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, on November 14.
(PTI News)
