By Felix Anthony

Tezu, July 28, 2022: Two young men from Arunachal Pradesh who won gold medals at the national karate championship have appealed to the youth of the northeastern Indian state to keep away from drugs and focus on future.

“Do not indulge in drugs and other unhealthy habits. Keep them away. Your youthful days are not going to be with you forever,” said Sadan Yun at a rousing welcome given to him and Roshan Tega July 28 when they returned after winning gold medals at the Youth Games National Karate Championship organized by Youth Games Council of India at Sonipat town in the northern Indian state of Haryana.

“Many might ask what we will get from games and sports. If nothing at all, it will at least keep you healthy and there is nothing better than enjoying a good health,” Yun told young people of northeastern India.

Arunachal Pradesh on February 18 launched a yearlong Arunachal Against Substance Abuse campaign as part of the golden jubilee celebration of its statehood. For a long time, the state has been fighting the problem of drug addiction among its youths.

Yun, a resident of Tribal Colony in Tezu town, Lohit district, won the gold medal in the 84 kg plus category for men. Tega from Hawai in Anjaw district won the championship in under 55 kg category.

Both were received by the Yun Welfare Society, All Lohit Karate Do Association and All Mishmi Students’ Union along with youth and public leaders at the Airfield Tezu gate with traditional stoles and bouquets.

“It is a moment of pride for all our Mishmi tribal society,” said Sawan Yun, the general secretary of Yun Welfare Society. “These two young boys have proven that hard work and determination in any field would bring you accolades and recognition. We are very proud of them both,” he added.

Replying at the felicitation program, Yun said he felt good to receive such a warm welcome from his own people.

He also appealed to the district administration to provide young people with proper training facility. “We have been practicing in the mud and in the rain. Having proper training facility will produce many champions in the district,” Yun added.

Sobetso Kri, the general secretary of Lohit District Olympic Association and All Lohit Karate Do Association, who was also present at the function, congratulated the two young men.

“Martial art can take you to places. Because the youth here do not know the scope martial art offers, many do not choose martial art as a sport. I hope that all our youth in the district and in Arunachal Pradesh will be inspired by the example of Sadan and Roshan,” he said.

Young people who came to receive the champions led them through the town with flex banners to celebrate their achievement.

Meanwhile the campaign against drugs aims to cultivate an understanding of the substance abuse and drug abuse problems at multiple levels. On one hand, it will target young people and motivate them to stay away from substance abuse and drug abuse. At the same time, it will also reach out to families which are afflicted by this menace.

The campaign encourages families to provide care, love and support to persons caught in the drug grip. It also reaches out to current substance abusers and tries to motivate them to opt for rehabilitation by collecting a series of motivational messages and inspiring testimonials from former drug users.

Oli Koyu, the nodal officer of the state Anti-Narcotic Bureau, says drug addiction in Arunachal is above the alarming level. “Around 13-15 districts are affected by the menace of synthetic drug addiction. We are all concerned,” he told reporters.

Local people say the youth, especially from urban areas, are increasingly falling prey to synthetic drugs.

The people of Arunachal Pradesh have been addicted to opium from the British era. A section of the opium growers is also its traders.

“A lot of people in the eastern Arunachal districts grow opium to earn a living. We have to give them an alternative livelihood option,” Koyu said.

According to doctors, addiction to opium causes sleeplessness and indigestion besides other neuropsychiatric-related problems.