Paradip Port leads community drive against substance abuse with pledge and awareness seminar

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, AUGUST 13, 2025

In a strong show of commitment to a healthier and addiction-free society, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) on Wednesday hosted a special pledge ceremony and awareness seminar under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (Drug-Free India Campaign), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Held at the PPA Administrative Building, the event brought together employees, stakeholders, and community members to reinforce the message of steering clear of substance abuse.

PPA Chairman P. L. Haranadh administered a solemn pledge, with participants vowing to abstain from all forms of intoxicants and work towards creating drug-free families and communities.

The Paradip Sakshyarata Samity (PSS), the social welfare wing of PPA, marked the fifth anniversary of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ by conducting an impactful seminar for members of various Mahila Samities and Self-Help Groups. PSS Secretary Rama Chandra Pradhan presided over the session, which featured Senior Medical Officer of PPA Hospital, Dr. Runu Singh, as Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Preeti Arati Parija, Rashmi Acharya, and Premalata Barik.

Speakers highlighted the severe health, social, and economic repercussions of drug addiction, stressing the need for widespread awareness, accessible treatment and rehabilitation facilities, and stringent action against traffickers. They underlined that collective responsibility and community vigilance are vital to eradicating this menace.

The program, anchored by PSS Project Coordinator Ashok Mohapatra, witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large gathering of women representing various organizations, reaffirming the community’s united resolve to build a drug-free future.