In October 2023, just one month before the Mizoram Legislative Assembly elections, amid growing anticipation, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi marched through the streets of Aizawl as part of his Bharat Jodo Yatra campaign. Along the way, a select group of youths and prominent figures, who had been informed beforehand, were allowed to engage with the leader. Among them was V Lalnunthara, the founder of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Mizoram.
A Political Science graduate and now a lecturer at a government high school, V Nunthara is passionate about society. He is most passionate about the evil of drugs taking over the lives of the youths in the state.
Speaking to EastMojo about his inspiration, he said, “As I ponder the events that have unfolded since my childhood, I am struck by the profound impact of my experiences on my worldview. The escalating menace of substance abuse in our state has led me to realize the importance of collective action in combating this scourge. The lack of effective measures to address this issue has been a persistent concern, and I firmly believe that a concerted effort is necessary to mitigate the devastating consequences of drug abuse.”
He said it was in 2019 when he had an introspection and stumbled upon a message on the back of a jacket of a KTP (Kristian Thalai Pawl – a church youth organisation) youth, “Thil tha tih zel” (Do good always) – Titus 3:8.
V Nunthara said, “This phrase resonated deeply with me, and I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. I realized that I was not alone in my quest to make a positive impact, and I decided to reach out to like-minded individuals through a WhatsApp group. Our shared vision of creating a drug-free Mizoram culminated in forming the Foundation for Drug-Free Mizoram on April 1, 2019.”
Now, six years have passed since the organisation’s inception, and the members have seen challenges and triumphs. Recognising the importance of educating young minds on the dangers of drugs, they focus on demand reduction through drug awareness campaigns in schools, churches and colleges.
The foundation’s motto is “Ruihhlo Tel Lo Nun Duhawm Zawk” (A Better Life Without Drugs). To achieve its mission, the organization conducts awareness campaigns with a team of resource persons, comprising medical doctors, pharmacists, psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and educationists. Survivors of drug addiction also share their personal experiences to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
The primary objective of the foundation is to counter the alarming rise of drug abuse among the youth of Mizoram, and they are intent on collaborating with experts to develop effective strategies to engage with Generation Alpha.
“Our approach is holistic, and we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for our members. We have developed a standardized curriculum for awareness programs, emphasising the importance of avoiding substance abuse. We are mindful of the potential risks associated with exposing children to explicit information about drugs and therefore adopt a cautious approach. Our members are committed to volunteering their time and resources to support our cause,” said the founder.
To date, the Foundation for Drug-Free Mizoram has conducted awareness programs in 104 locations, reaching out to over 20,600 young people who have pledged to lead a drug-free life.
“We have received overwhelming support from various churches, which have welcomed our initiatives and provided valuable guidance. We believe that our efforts have contributed to fostering a sense of unity among churches, and we are committed to continuing our work in this regard,” said V Nunthara.
The organisation’s efforts have been recognised by the Mizoram government, which has established a connection with them through the Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs and Excise & Narcotics Departments.
The Foundation for Drug-Free Mizoram still has bigger aims. They are committed to creating a drug-free Mizoram, not just Aizawl.
They have visited district headquarters in other parts of the state, such as Lunglei, Champhai, and Serchhip, and plan to visit Saitual, Keifang, Khawzawl, and Vairengte. They also aspire to establish counselling centres and safe spaces where young people can access guidance and support. Its core committee consists of 7 office bearers, 5 advisers and 30 executive council members.
Expressing hope for the youth of the future in Mizoram, V Nunthara said, “As we reflect on our journey, we acknowledge that Mizoram faces numerous challenges, including substance abuse and other social issues. However, we remain optimistic, drawing inspiration from our faith and the resilience of our people. We believe our endeavours will ultimately bear fruit, and our state will emerge stronger and more vibrant. We are confident that, with divine guidance, our collective efforts will yield positive outcomes, ultimately contributing to the well-being of our community, state, and nation.”
Also Read: How COVID lockdown disrupted sleep, diet and health in Northeast India
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