Just as when the problem of addiction to drugs and various other contraband substances among the state’s younger generation is becoming quite a headache, arrival of a campaign in Lohit last week  to champion the cause of spiritualism is largely significant.

At a time when Arunachal Pradesh attempts to leapfrog in an era of progress after decades of despondency emanating out of underdevelopment, the nuisance of drug abuse is a solid social challenge to overcome.

The efforts to curb this menace have been relentless over the years, with active participation from governmental agencies and the NGOs. Destruction of illegal opium cultivation in various districts of the state, discouraging the farmers from such wrongdoings and arranging rehabilitation packages for alternative cultivation and constant vigil on the part of the socially aware segments of the society are genuine strides. Still, it seems the challenge is insurmountable.

But just as the battle between good and evil is omnipresent all throughout the history of human civilization, in spiritualism or spirituality we may find our coveted protagonist, ready to lock horns with the antagonist that is notoriously known to us as drug menace.

Spirituality can help defeating drug addiction, it’s a fact underscored by scientific researches in past and gaining ground gradually. While individual reasons for becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol may vary, it’s hard to ignore the figures that support the theory that spirituality helps prevent addiction. People who can be classed as "spiritual" have been found to be multiple times less likely to use illicit drugs. So, it is sensible to propagate spirituality particularly among youths, the most susceptible stratum of the society. It is absolutely on the line of the dictum- prevention is better than cure.

It is true that there are various factors, mostly social and economic that instigates  the vulnerable toescape from the mundane when  the pressures  seem insurmountable. Taking drugs  seems to be a great escape. In reality it is vicious cycle, promising dark days ahead.

Those who have unfortunately slipped into this quagmire, spirituality has proven to be a panacea in preserving inner strength and self-belief, essential traits that break addictive patterns of behaviour and help avoid a relapse in the future.

The virtue of  spirituality  lies in the fact that it does not need to be defined through the lens of religion. It is beyond that and an exclusive search for meaning in life. 

Campaigns of this sort can prove to be flickers of inspiration for youths who have chosen the wrong path and go a long way in integrating them  back to mainstream.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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