International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Observed at Furkating College (Autonomous)

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Observed at Furkating College (Autonomous) The Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) selected ten colleges across Assam to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026. Among them, Furkating College (Autonomous) was chosen as the Model College for Golaghat District. Accordingly, on 26 June 2026, the Red Ribbon Club, NCC Troop, NSS Unit, and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan of Furkating College (Autonomous), with the support of the Assam State AIDS Control Society, jointly organized a comprehensive awareness programme to mark the occasion. The programme commenced with a drug awareness rally through the Furkating area. The rally was flagged off by the Principal of the college, Dr. Apurba Saikia. Students of Furkating College, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, faculty members, and students from Balijan Senior Secondary School, Hemprabha Borbora Girls' College, Golaghat, Furkating Boys High School and Furkating Gajanan Jalan Girls High School actively participated in the rally and awareness campaign. More than 700 students took part in the programme. Following the rally, an awareness meeting was held at the Bishnu Jyoti Auditorium of Furkating College (Autonomous). The programme began with the college anthem performed by the students of the college. The meeting was presided over by the Principal, Dr. Apurba Saikia. The distinguished guests present at the programme included: Mr. Pallab Jyoti Hazarika, Assistant Director of Youth Affairs, Mr. Bidyut Bikash Baruah, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr. Mintu Sonowal, Officer-in-Charge, Golaghat Sadar Police Station, Ms. Mayuri Bora, Officer-in-Charge, Furkating Police Station, Dr. Utpal Borah, President, District AIDS Control Society and Medical Officer, Swaheed Kushal Konwar Civil Hospital, Golaghat, Ms. Bulti Saikia, Clinical Psychologist, Ms. Kalpana Devi, HIV Counsellor Mr. Priyanus Hazarika, recipient of the President's Award (2024) and State Award (2022) for NSS, presently engaged in social service through the Sewa Sankalp Development Foundation., Mr. Paresh Dutta, President of the Golaghat District Citizen Committee, Mr. Ashok Kumar Saikia, President of Furkating Gaon Panchayat and Ms. Indira Gogoi, Administrative Vice-Principal of Furkating College (Autonomous) All the resource persons were felicitated with a phulam gamosa and a memento. The programme also honoured senior citizen Mr. Prafulla Hazarika in recognition of his contributions. Before the formal session began, Ms. Antara Dutta, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, administered the Anti-Drug Pledge to all participants. During the awareness session, Mr. Pallab Jyoti Hazarika highlighted the devastating effects of drug abuse, discussed various government initiatives to combat the menace, and encouraged young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. DSP Bidyut Bikash Baruah explained the legal provisions relating to drug abuse and trafficking. Mr. Mintu Sonowal, Officer-in-Charge of Golaghat Sadar Police Station, emphasized that despite strict legal measures, the fight against drugs cannot succeed without active public cooperation. He appealed for collective community participation and illustrated his message with philosophical references from the lives of Lord Krishna, Vasudeva, and Devaki. Dr. Utpal Bora spoke about the healthcare facilities and treatment services available for drug addiction, HIV, and other related health issues. Ms. Bulti Saikia, Clinical Psychologist, discussed the psychological consequences of substance abuse and stressed the importance of counselling and mental health support. Ms. Kalpana Devi, HIV Counsellor, explained the causes and modes of HIV transmission and urged everyone to remain aware and adopt preventive measures. In his motivational address, Mr. Priyanus Hazarika, a National Award-winning NSS volunteer, inspired the youth to dedicate themselves to social service and nation-building. Mr. Paresh Dutta, President of the Citizen Committee, also delivered a brief motivational speech. To mark the occasion, competitions on Poster Making, Slogan Writing, and Essay Writing were organized among the students. Competition Results Poster Making Competition First Prize: Dharitri Dutta Second Prize: Anwesh Gogoi Third Prize: Debashish Chutia Slogan Writing Competition First Prize: Aastha Priyadarshini Second Prize: Namrata Bora Third Prize: Kiran Gogoi Essay Writing Competition First Prize: Muskan Begum Second Prize: Namrata Bora Third Prize: Monika Das Prizes and certificates were distributed during the programme. The winners of the World Environment Day Essay Competition were also felicitated: First Prize: Namrata Bora Second Prize: Jyotishman Saikia Third Prize: Muskan Begum At the conclusion of the programme, the Principal and President of the meeting, Dr. Apurba Saikia, delivered the presidential address and expressed his gratitude to all the guests, participants, and organizers for making the programme a grand success. The programme was anchored and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Apurba Ranjan Dutta, Associate Professor, Department of Education, and Coordinator of the Red Ribbon Club. The event concluded with a group photograph of all participants and guests.