During my service period, I had the opportunity to work in two very specific regions of our country. One is Uttaranchal and the other Rajsthan. After working outside for 18 years, I returned to Orissa, and found that even though drug addiction increased here, it was nothing compared to that place.
We had broadcast a special programme on drug addiction at the national level about 12 years back. 52 programmes were held in one series. The name of that programme was RADIO DATE, that is, Drug Alcohol Tobacco Eradication. When we broadcast this programme on the Radio, I was specially requested to conduct similar programmes on drug related issues for the people of Orissa, since I hailed from Orissa. As I was an Oriya, I had always an anxiety that people at the national level would have a very negative impression about Orissa, a slight manifestation of which would hurt my self-esteem and pride. Once I mentioned in a meeting, "Only some people in Orissa were addicted to Bhanga". Having heard this, the audience laughed and asked me, 'Are you sure, others don't take? I replied, 'No, I am not very sure, but I am not willing to participate in such a controversial programme.' I was sure that such a programme highlighting the drug abuse in Orissa would put our State in an extremely bad light, and people all over the country would acquire a bad impression regarding my native State, Orissa.
About a month ago, we aired a programme on the activities of the inmates of Puri Jail. About 64 people were imprisoned there for indulging in various kinds of drugs and intoxicants. There were both convicts and under-trials amongst them. We spoke to them confidentially as well as individually, and got astonished at the shocking revelations. Among them, 24 criminals confessed that after being released from the prison, they would again resume taking drugs, since it had become a way of life for them. They just could not live without taking drugs, and said that they were absolutely helpless and trapped. They were drug traffickers and just could not imagine working in any other respectable profession. It was a one-way street. It was also a highly paying and lucrative profession. After thinking for a long time, I arrived at the conclusion that there were numerous social, financial, personal and psychological factors and reasons behind it. It was indeed a highly complex and tangled situation and very difficult to comprehend. Thereafter, on the 26th of June, I had to prepare a few programmes to this effect. Even today, in the morning, a special programme on this subject was aired on All India Radio.
After a thorough investigation, I discovered that the use of drugs and drug addiction leads to the breakdown of whole of society and social norms. Even History is replete with instances where empires have fallen into decay and ultimate ruination due to overindulgence in alcohol and drugs. It was a very distressing and demoralizing state of affairs. Even the Mahabharat is replete with instances of the bad and debilitating effects of drugs. In fact, this world-famous mythological epic has so many other glaring examples of the ill effects of drug addiction. Even the members of the Yadav clan indulged in a frenzied orgy of drinks and drugs, which eventually and ultimately led to their downfall.
Even during the medieval times, we find that the Moghul Emperor Humayun, the son and successor of Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty in India, was addicted to opium. In fact, Humayun just could not survive without taking opium regularly in large doses. Due to his addiction, he could be deposed easily by Sher Shah Suri, who tried to usurp him. These are all historical facts.
There are a lot of stories from the various Puranas and Upanishads. But, seriously speaking, why is the consumption of drugs increasing at such an alarming pace? It is a matter of grave concern and worry.
As a member of the general public, and as a Government Official, it is my bounden duty to highlight the dismal and horrifying effects of drugs. We all hear of untimely deaths caused due to the consumption of spurious alcohol. Daily wage earners, like Rickshaw pullers, who happen to be the sole breadwinners of their families, constitute the vast majority of alcoholics. Since they can procure alcohol and drugs very cheaply and smoothly, they easily become addicted to alcohol and drugs. The second category of addicts constitutes the young and affluent upper-middle class urbanities who have plenty of time on their hands and plenty of money to burn. The WHO (World Health Organization) had recently carried out a survey in certain South Asian countries covering Afghanistan to Thailand and Kampuchea. As per this survey, the age-group between 14 to 40 was highly critical and vulnerable. These people are the ones who are most susceptible to alcohol, drugs and various other intoxicants. A teenager of 14 years is often influenced by his parents, teachers and society in general. Hence, what should be done? What steps should be taken to help them? We must all discuss this complex and delicate issue extremely minutely and thoroughly.
How and why does an innocent young teenager resort and succumb to drugs? Where does the magic lie? What motivates and inspires him to stoop to such habit? It is often found that most of these adolescents suffer from peer pressure. They are over-ambitious and highly motivated. They are often neurotic and hypersensitive. They are so much obsessed with the career anxiety that they pursue their goals with a single-minded dedication and unwavering zeal, which is truly mind-boggling and abnormal at the same time. Achieving academic excellence is of primary importance for them. Will I be able to perform successfully in my exams? Will I get cent percent marks? Shall I be able to secure admission in a reputed College or Educational institution? The majorities of youngsters are mostly frustrated with their dismal academic careers and hence fall prey to the menace of alcoholism and drug addiction. These provide the necessary outlet through which they vent their myriad frustrations.
It is a vicious cycle from which they can't extricate themselves. We are living in a society, in which people from various States and regions live together. We all know that Manipur is supposed to be the State, which has got the highest percentage of Drug addicts. Where from do they acquire their medical Degrees? From where do they complete their Post Graduation? According to medical experts, these foreigners are often the root cause of Drug trafficking and should be avoided at all costs. Drugs are a sort of elixir for these confused youngsters and soon they become addicted to it. For a temporary period of time, they experience a feeling of total ecstasy and bliss. It numbs and paralyzes the senses and transports them to another realm, a world of fantasies and illusions. It induces into them a feeling of tremendous happiness and well-being.
Now I shall narrate my own personal experience. Sometimes, I smoke a cigarette or two out of sheer boredom. Mind you, I am not a compulsive smoker and neither am I addicted to cigarettes. At that time, I was studying in College and was a free bird. I did not even have to shoulder any duties or heavy responsibilities. I was deeply influenced by films, especially by my favourite matinee idol. I became completely obsessed with him and started to ape his mannerisms. Hence, I started to smoke brazenly and openly.
Similarly, there are certain media publications, which influence the general public to a great extent. We should become cautious, and know what exactly is our duty or responsibility? The drug abuse is an extremely complicated and vexing problem, and needs to be debated minutely and meticulously.
We have chosen 26th of June as International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Several programmes are being held to commemorate this particular day. It is a very special occasion for all of us. I was aware of the proceedings of the various programmes held on this day. Whilst I was posted at Delhi, I came into contact with an organization called Alcoholics Anonymous. It is a very special and unique kind of organization. About 20,000 patients have been cured completely, after undergoing treatment at 'Alcoholics Anonymous'. The reason for this is that they have got a vast infrastructure. They are fully equipped with all medical facilities to cope with any emergency. This is one of the primary reasons for its tremendous popularity.
I have found or rather come across Alcoholics everywhere I have visited i.e. Cuttack, Kendrapara, Rourkela or Sambalpur etc. All these districts have got a very high percentage of alcoholics. They must be helped immediately.
What are the various measures and steps that should be taken? Indian society is steeped in customs and traditions, and hence it is our first and foremost duty to cleanse our society from the evils of blind superstitions and outdated customs. Appropriate activities and directions should be taken to wipe out dated beliefs and superstitious practices.
Compassion and kindness are the watchword of the hour. What should be done to help these poor victims? It is also the duty of the police to enforce their duties to curb this menace. Prevention is the duty of the police, while it is upto the doctors and medical specialists to delete it. It is also the task of the doctors to carry out their diagnosis and treatment. But these are merely future plans. Instead of wasting away time in discussing and mulling the pros and cons, drastic action is immediately necessary. We must proceed extremely carefully and cautiously, without causing any significant damage or hurting the sentiments of the upper strata of society. Project Swarajya is working diligently and sincerely in this direction. The ADG of Orissa Police (jails) is supporting the cause of drug abuse prevention sincerely.
There are about 11 to 12 radio stations, which broadcast various programmes on this delicate issue. 'Jubavani' is a special programme of AIR that deals with the youth of today and is very useful and helpful. Several people associated with Project Swarajya are working to rehabilitate the unfortunate drug victims. NGOs dealing with victims of health related problems are very rarely found in our State. We must try to work conscientiously and unitedly in this direction. Numerous projects are also working for the rehabilitation of AIDS victims. But no NGO is working diligently for the betterment of victims of alcohol or drug abuse. Project Swarajya is one of the rare institutions who have devoted themselves solely for this special purpose.
Medical College campuses are the breeding ground of the immoral drug traffickers. The police should immediately take stringent steps to curb the activities of these criminals and anti-socials. Several reputed and well-known drugs having brand names are being voraciously consumed by the addicts. The effects of these lethal drugs are disastrous and fatal. For a temporary period of time, they induce a feeling of euphoria and ecstasy, which is beyond imagination. But, we must remember that it is only a temporary and a seductive release, an extra-sensuous feeling of frenzy. These people soon fall prey to the intoxicating effects of alcohol and drugs.
In Cuttack city itself, we find hundreds of vendors selling 'Bhang', a country drug. 'Bhanga' is found in several varieties. But the most common form of 'Bhanga' is found in the crushed form. It is a highly popular and widely used drug, since it is easily available and cheap. 'Ganja' or Hashish is also taken by a lot of our populace. Ignorant people believe that Lord Shiva, who is deeply revered by the Hindus, often took these dangerous drugs in large quantities. These are nothing but misconceptions and false myths propagated by certain religious fanatics for their own peculiar self-interest. The other variety of drugs generally comes packaged in the form of medicines. These tablets are also used extensively. I once asked a practicing Ayurvedic as to what types of brand names were available in his shop. He told me the brands available in his shop. Due to obvious reasons, I will not disclose the name of company. Eventually, several persons connected with that Drug Company were accused and arrested.
It is indeed a very sad and tragic state of affairs. But we have to fight this menace and thereby cleanse our society thoroughly from the hydra-headed demons of alcohol and drugs. It is going to be an immensely arduous and tough job. It requires tremendous courage and patience. We should always remain hopeful and optimistic. No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars or sailed to an unchartered land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.
Addicts should not be treated with contempt. I am not supporting them. But one should not condemn or malign them outright.
I am very glad and thankful to Project Swarajya for helping these people come to terms with their life. I sincerely hope and pray that they continue to carry on with their mission with renewed vigor and faith.
Should we allow the advertisement of intoxicants in the media? Sometimes, the general public is easily fooled by the flashy advertisement. But, fortunately Akashvani and Doordarshan do not resort to such ad business.
You have asked me a highly pertinent question. When innocent people die due to consumption of spurious liquor, why does it always make headlines? Why do the media glorify and sensationalize these events, instead of talking about appropriate steps to fight the menace? The police is immediately blamed for that happens and are made immediate scapegoats. Everyone from the D.G of Police to an ordinary constable is immediately blamed on the front pages of the leading dailies for such happenings. It is indeed an extremely tragic situation.
Recently the Orissa police had seized 12 quintals of 'Ganja' (Hashish) from the Orissa Chhatisgarh border. Now, a tussle is going on between the Orissa and Chhatisgarh police. The media, I am very sad to say, do not at all play the role, as they should. It is indeed a very bizarre situation, and I feel terribly pained about it. But, I am helpless. I want to help them badly, but alas! I can't. Although the media are autonomous, I happen to be a Government Officer. We are not playing our role as effectively and forcefully as we should. But, frankly speaking, I have no regrets and neither am I suffering from any guilty pangs. I won't say that we are on the right. I do not wish to sound like a preacher sermonizing from a pulpit. I know that something very fishy is happening right under our noses, but I don't wish to disclose it.
There are also many other aspects of today's topic, about which I may discuss in detail some other day.
Once again, I would like to thank all of you profusely and sincerely.