Sri Vijaya Puram, June 14: A Specialist Mental Health Camp along with an Awareness Programme under the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan was organized at Community Health Centre (CHC), Rangat on 12 June 2026 from 9:00 AM onwards.
The camp provided free psychiatric and psychological consultation services to the general public. The specialist services were rendered by Dr. Aathira J. Prakash, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), Psychiatrist from Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder.
During the camp, psychiatric consultation and counselling services were provided to needy patients. A total of 12 patients, including both new and follow-up cases, received specialist consultation, counselling, and psychiatric medicines as required.
An awareness programme on mental health promotion and substance abuse prevention was also conducted at CHC Rangat. Around 60 participants attended the programme and benefited from awareness sessions and counselling on mental health promotion, addiction prevention, tobacco cessation, screen addiction, and the importance of seeking timely medical assistance.
Awareness Talk, Yoga and Meditation Session under Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, As part of the observance of the International Day of Yoga 2026 and the ongoing Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, an Awareness Talk, Yoga and Meditation Session was organized on 13 June 2026 at 5:30 AM at Atal Bihari Vajpayee (ABV) Panchayat Hall, Rangat. At the outset, Dr. B. Bindu Kumar, Medical Officer (Homoeopathy), CHC Rangat and Coordinator of the programme, welcomed the gathering.
Mr. Deepanshu Vohra, Assistant Commissioner, Middle Andaman, Rangat, appreciated the efforts being undertaken under the NCORD mechanism and encouraged the public, especially youth, to adopt healthy lifestyles, practice yoga regularly, and stay away from tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and other harmful addictions.
The main resource person, Dr. Aathira J. Prakash, Psychiatrist, Dr. R.P. District Hospital, Mayabunder, delivered an interactive awareness session focusing on the role of yoga and mindfulness in promoting mental well-being, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healthy coping with stress. She emphasized that while stress is a part of life, the manner in which individuals respond to stress significantly influences their mental health and overall well-being.
The session explored common reasons why people initiate substance use, including curiosity, peer influence, stress, emotional distress, social pressures, and underlying mental health difficulties. Participants were educated on the early warning signs of addiction, such as loss of control over use, hiding use, feeling guilt, cravings, increasing dependence, neglect of responsibilities, behavioural changes, and withdrawal from family and social activities.
Dr. Aathira addressed several myths surrounding substance use disorders and their treatment, emphasizing that addiction is a treatable medical condition rather than a moral failing. She highlighted that seeking professional help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness, and discussed evidence-based treatment approaches including behavioural therapies, family support, and appropriate medical interventions.
Special attention was given to behavioural addictions, particularly excessive screen use and digital dependency. Participants were encouraged to adopt practical strategies such as setting screen-time limits, maintaining device-free periods, engaging in physical activity and hobbies, strengthening face-to-face social interactions, and practicing mindfulness and yoga to improve self-control and digital well-being. The session underscored the importance of early intervention, family support, and community awareness in preventing addiction and promoting recovery.
Dr. B. Bindu Kumar, Medical Officer (Homoeopathy), CHC Rangat, highlighted the objectives of the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, World No Tobacco Day, and the importance of community participation in building a healthy, drug-free society. He also emphasized the burden of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and discussed findings from national health surveys highlighting their adverse health consequences.
Yoga and Meditation Session, The Yoga and Meditation Session was led by Mr. Ajit Kumar Das, Yoga Instructor, CHC Rangat, and Mr. Sandeep Prasad, Assistant Engineer, APWD Rangat and Volunteer Trained Yoga Teacher (Art of Living). Participants actively engaged in yoga practices, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from officials of various departments, Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, teachers, students, youth volunteers, healthcare workers, and members of the general public.
A total of more than 100 participants attended the Yoga, Meditation, and Awareness Session, demonstrating strong community support for the objectives of the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan and the promotion of a healthy, drug-free society.
The programme was organized under the guidance of the District Administration, North & Middle Andaman, and formed part of the district-wide activities being conducted under the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan and the observance of the International Day of Yoga 2026.
The programme concluded with a collective pledge to promote mental well-being, adopt healthy lifestyles, practice yoga regularly, stay away from tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and other addictions, and contribute towards building a healthier, happier, and substance-free society.
