Pakyong, May 29, 2026

As part of its ongoing initiative to promote environmental awareness, mental well-being, and physical health, the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) and Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, Gangtok, organized a special publicity program at Sumin Lingchey Secondary School, Pakyong District, today.

The programme focused on two important national campaigns, Nasha Mukt Bharat and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, aimed to enhance awareness and engage the local community on these vital issues. Esteemed guests, including Shri Bishal Sharma Pohkrel, Project Director, Sarathi 1.0, Sikkim and Smt. Woeser Doma Bhutia, School Headmistress, graced the occasion as special guests.

The event was also attended by teachers, faculty members, and staff of the school, as well as officials from PIB Gangtok and Akashvani Gangtok. Additionally, around 80 school students participated in the program with great enthusiasm.

Speaking on the occasion, Headmistress Woeser, expressed her gratitude to PIB & CBC for organizing the awareness program, emphasizing the need for similar initiatives on diverse themes to benefit the students. She noted that such informative awareness camps would have a profound impact on both students and society. She also urged the students to take the message back to their villages, town and spread the message of today’s program for the betterment of the society.

The program also featured an interactive quiz contest among students wherein students participated actively, making it an engaging and informative event. Prizes were awarded to students for their correct answers.

A notable highlight of the program was an interactive session conducted by Project Director Pokhrel, wherein he comprehensively engaged students through an interactive session on Nasha Mukt Bharat, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and key adolescent issues. He used discussions, Q&A, and real-life examples to raise awareness on drug abuse prevention, environmental responsibility through tree plantation, and challenges faced during adolescence, encouraging students to adopt healthy and informed choices.

During the session, Shri Pokhrel also highlighted the issue of mobile phone addiction among adolescents. He explained how excessive screen time can affect concentration, sleep, mental health, and social relationships. Students were encouraged to set healthy limits on device usage, engage in outdoor activities, and use mobiles as a tool for learning rather than a source of distraction.

He specifically urged girl students to remain alert and cautious while using social media. He warned that anti-social elements are increasingly using AI-morphed images and fake profiles to lure young girls into unsafe situations and wrong activities. He advised students to protect their personal information, verify online contacts, and immediately report any suspicious or threatening behaviour to parents, teachers, or authorities.

Earlier, Shri Manas Pratim Sarma, Assistant Director, PIB & Akashvani News Gangtok delivering the welcome address, expressed his gratitude to the school administration for their consent and assistance in organising the awareness program at their school premises and also to the Project Director, Sarathi 1.0 for being a part of this special publicity program.

As part of the program, CBC & PIB, Gangtok also donated Swachhta Items, including dustbin, broom, garbage bag to the school administration.

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MPS/SK

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