Tura, July 23: The Past Pupils of Don Bosco College, Tura batch 1997 – 2002 organised a workshop on Career Guidance cum Awareness on Substance Abuse and Proper Use of Social Media on Friday for the students of St. Stephen Memorial School, Matchakolgre, Tura.
The Boscoan Batch of 1997 – 2002 have dedicated and committed themselves to serve the Society in whichever way they can and wherever necessary. In the recent past, when South Garo Hills was stuck by flood and affected Siju and Kallu region adversely, this particular batch came together and contributed essential items like food, clothing and others. In view of ardent need of the hour to protect, rescue and reform the young minds of school students from the ill effect of substance abuse and misuse of social media, and also to show them the path of reaching the career of their choice or preferences, they organised the said workshop.
Police Inspector Galbraith K Sangma spoke about the hazards of substance abuse. He also briefed about the different stages of using the toxic substances which in most cases ultimately led to addiction. He mentioned about various acts like COTPA, NDPS, Meghalaya Police Act etc through which person involved in illicit use or illegal peddling and dealing are punished by the law. The intensity of the sentence depends upon the gravity of the crime.
Stevie Jaseng N. Sangma, who cracked MPSC exam in his first attempt yet chose not to join the service as he was already serving the society as a Doctor by then, perhaps because he was more happier in the profession he was already in. He spoke on the topic of Career Guidance: Preparation for competitive Exams like UPSC, MPSC and other exams; Job Prospect of Science and Commerce streams.
Deputy Commissioner of Labour, West and South Garo Hills, Olivia G Momin, briefed the students about the broad spectrum of professional choices for students who opted for Arts stream. She also stressed on the importance of having a dream and aim in life in order to become a successful and responsible individual.
A well established Entrepreneur and Hair stylist, Paul Marak, spoke on the topic of entrepreneurship. Another well established Entrepreneur, Film producer, Actor, editor of Hub News, and many YouTube channels like Kuwatram and many others Simon George S Marak spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of social media. He cited the example of his father who, due to Geographical distance, had lost touch with his siblings, but after 36 years was able to re-unite with them taking the help of social media. During Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns it was by the help of social media that the virtual classes were made available. Yet there are disadvantages, which in certain cases even outweighed the advantages. Anti-social activities, uncanny behaviours, lack of concentration, lack of memory, lack of self-reliance, depression, anxiety, insomnia, moral policing and many other health related issues are the misuses or over-use of social media.
Meanwhile, Pastor Dolly spoke about the importance of keeping our mind and body clean. Based on the Bible, she said, God himself has claimed that our body is His Temple but he will reside in us only if we keep it clean. Other way round we must not defile God’s Temple i.e. our body by using toxic substances.
There was also an question – answer session conducted in a Quiz competition manner conducted by Neetu N Marak. The quiz questions were based on the speeches of all the speakers mentioned above. It seemed that the students paid keen attention to the speeches, supported by the fact that most of the students raised their hands to answer the questions. The award for quiz winners was hand out by Rubitha Sangma, Galbraith K Sangma, Nilkamal Marak, and Sabitha R Marak.
