Shillong: Meghalaya on Friday intensified its anti-drug awareness campaign by bringing together students, recovering drug users, government officials and actor-producer John Abraham, who urged young people to stay away from substance abuse and pursue discipline through sports and fitness.
The anti-drugs awareness programme, organised by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM), was held at the State Guest House, Taraghar, under the theme “Pulse of the Hills: Every Beat Against Drugs.”
The programme was attended by Social Welfare Adviser Bah Paul Lyngdoh as chief guest and John Abraham, actor, entrepreneur and co-owner of Northeast United FC, as the special guest.
During an interactive session with students, Abraham spoke about the importance of discipline, fitness and sports in steering young people away from drugs. Expressing his affection for Shillong and the Northeast, he described the region as a “hotbed of football” and said he believes it has the potential to produce world-class footballers.
He also thanked Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for his support towards sports development in the state and said Northeast United FC’s football academy near Shillong is expected to be ready within the next two years.
“I want to see a Ronaldo or a Messi coming from the Northeast,” Abraham said, while encouraging students to resist peer pressure and lead substance-free lives.
Echoing the message, Paul Lyngdoh highlighted the state’s growing investments in sports and youth development. Referring to the upcoming football academy, the proposed football stadium in Shillong and other youth-focused initiatives, he said Meghalaya is creating opportunities that can help young people realise their potential.
The programme also saw the inauguration of a vehicle provided by the Social Welfare Department with support from the DREAM Mission for the Asha Bhavan Rehabilitation Centre in Tura. The vehicle will be used to strengthen rehabilitation and outreach efforts under the state’s anti-drug campaign.
John Abraham was felicitated during the event along with several recovery champions, including the state’s youngest recovery champion, in recognition of their efforts to spread awareness against substance abuse.
Delivering the welcome address, Social Welfare Director Saloni Verma said the programme reflects the government’s continued focus on prevention, treatment and recovery in tackling drug abuse. She highlighted the work being carried out under the DREAM Mission, launched in 2022, and urged young people to draw inspiration from Abraham’s commitment to fitness and healthy living.
The event also featured personal stories from individuals who have overcome addiction. Recovery Champion Marvin B. Warjri of the Meghalaya Users’ Forum shared his journey of recovery during a session titled “The Choice That Changed Everything,” while youth icon and fitness influencer Dapalei Linna Warjri encouraged participants to embrace fitness as a positive alternative to substance abuse through her presentation, “Fit Over Fix.”
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Students also interacted directly with Abraham and Lyngdoh during a question-and-answer session, while vocalist Kitkupar Nongsie, a finalist at the World Championship of Performing Arts 2026, performed a musical piece promoting hope and resilience.
The programme concluded with participants taking a collective pledge at the “Dream Wall of Commitment,” reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free Meghalaya.
Also Read | Meghalaya: John Abraham calls for action against political nexus in drug trade