“Other than medical-family support and counselling, the remedy to drug addiction lies in being ‘Patient and Firm’ in the belief–‘I can still be a normal person and live a normal life’”—Barry Leslie Kharmalki
Shillong, the educational hub of the North East is slowly transforming into a greener pasture for drug dealers considering the fact that Shillong is a metropolitan city consisting of a large youth population.
According to a survey conducted by North East India Drugs and AIDS Care on Drug Scenario in Meghalaya (NEIDAC), drug has become a fashion among many students due to peer pressure, easy availability and ignorance about the ill effects of drug use. It is a known fact that drug use in the state is increasing, however, denial in the community is still very high.
In view of increasing trend of drug and substance abuse, the State government has drafted the Meghalaya Drug Policy while stating that the menace of drug abuse is no more an isolated issue in the state. This policy is drafted in line with the final National Policy on Drug Demand Reduction which is in its final stage involving government, nongovernmental organisations and other stakeholders.
The easy availability of drugs has reached to a point where the drug users enjoy the perks of home deliveries. Studies have pointed out that the National Highway 44 running through the state has become the main trafficking route of drugs. While police are keeping a tap on drug peddlers, the supply of drugs however, cannot be stopped owing to the state’s close proximity to major opium cultivating areas- Golden Triangle countries (Myanmar-Laos-Thailand).
Best observed from the perspective, a victim of this menace, Let’s meet Barry Leslie Kharmalki, who against all odds stood firmly and is battling everyday a war raging within himself and others forsaken by the society. Taking one step at a time, Barry who was on the brink of suicide mustered enough courage to face the world and change the society especially for those needing help.
Barry recovered from drug addiction after years of intensive pain, both physical and mental. However, his hope to start a new life and a family was short lived as just at a time when everything seems to be going out quite well, he was tested HIV positive.
Shattered hopes and broken dreams, Barry was prepared to end his life but as life would have it, he dedicated himself in trying to help the other victims of drug addiction and HIV to live a normal life.
Since then, there’s no turning back for Barry be it day or night, he is on the job, spreading awareness, rescuing drug addicts, and giving hope to the hopeless.
“I have been through a lot and let me tell you, it takes time for a person to become an addict, similarly, it takes a lot of time for an addict to totally give up on drugs. It took me almost 4 years to fully recovered and I thank God for giving me the strength to get back on my feet,” Barry said.
His ability to ‘Say No to drugs’ is indeed a big achievement not only for himself but for his family. He joined Manbha Foundation to further his cause and also associated himself with MSNP plus Care and Support Centre, Shillong to encourage the people living with HIV to face the world as it is.
“When I learnt that I had HIV, my world shattered and I lost all hopes but the grace of God never left me because that was the time, he sent me people like Antony Syiemiong, who is the Director of Manbha Foundation. I was on the brink of suicide but I realized that I have to live if not for myself but for other youths who are victims to this modern disease. My purpose is to serve the helpless and I will continue doing that,” he said with determination.
Determined in serving the outcast and bringing in a better understanding for the society, Barry even took to the streets of the national capital in Delhi voicing his concern over the plight of the drug addicts and HIV positives.
Barry’s contribution to the society is immense and finds recognition and praise not only from the recovering addicts who considers him as a ‘solace’ against dying hopes of better days but also his fellow colleagues who are filled with respect and admiration.
“He (Barry) has been so supportive during the course of our therapy and a selfless attitude of Barry has encouraged us to walk the extra mile to attain peace of mind. If we had 10 more people like Barry, then dealing with the problem of drug addiction and HIV would have been much easier,” a recovering drug addict said.
Barry has created a world of hope and solace for the socially unacceptable.
“There was a time when Barry’s family had lost all hopes and considered him gone but now I can say that he is found and is better than ever before,” said Antony Syiemiong, Advisor of MSNP + and Director of Manbha Foundation adding that Barry’s feat deserves laurels from all quarters of the society.
Commenting on the attitude the society shows towards drug addicts and HIV positives, Kharmalki, who is also the a project manager of Manbha Foundation and Treasurer of the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People (MSNP+) is of the view that a society plays a big role in saving them from the onslaught of stigmatization.
By branding addicts as ‘criminals’, the society is only making things worse. The solution lies not in forceful detoxification but in the manner how one sees the problem from an addict’s perspective. “Then only can we help an addict get back on his/her feet. The problem should be tackled in its socio-legal perspective and then only, a concrete solution may be found.
“The society has to understand the meaning of addiction because after all, it is also a disease which could be cured even though; it requires much patience and dedication. Only then can our cause rise to the occasion,” Barry said.
Battered, bruised, yet unbroken Barry finds happiness in his pursuit to brighten the days of the lost souls and is grateful to God for giving him a second chance in life to serve his purpose in serving those who needs help and support.
In his message to the youth especially the recovered addicts and HIV positives, Barry said, “Even if all hopes seems to fade away, you must remember one thing—You are sent to this world with a purpose, we might have stumbled half way but that does not mean that our purpose is lost. We should realize that life is not only about living for oneself but it is a gift worth living for others as well.”
(source: nelive)