North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chumoukedima, Nagaland, in collaboration with the Chumoukedima District Users Network, Peace Channel, and MSW Community Development Specialization of NEISSR, solemnly observed World Social Work Day 2025 on 18th march 2025 at Bishop Abraham Memorial Hall. The event also marked the official launch of the ‘Drug-Free Campaign’ under the theme Empowering Children and Youth for a Drug-Free Nagaland.
Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto, Principal of NEISSR, in his address, emphasized the significance of World Social Work Day in addressing social challenges faced by marginalized communities, including women, children, youth, and the elderly. He urged collective efforts to combat unemployment, domestic violence, and substance abuse while promoting peace within families and society. Stressing the need to fill for generational gap and harmony through social work interventions, he officially flagged off the Drug-Free Campaign and called for student involvement in sustaining the spirit of World Social Work Day throughout the year. He reiterated the importance of fostering holistic development among individuals for a more just and equitable society.
The event featured testimonies from esteemed resource persons, Mr. Neli Koso and Mr. Ninoto Chishi from the Chumoukedima District Users Network, who shared their personal experiences. Mr. Koso recounted his journey through addiction and highlighted the profound impact it had on his family and societal relationships. He expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Chacko Karinthayil and Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto for their instrumental role in his recovery. Encouraging social work trainees to actively talk, meet and engage with those in need, he urged them to be a source of guidance and support for individuals battling addiction.
Mr. Ninoto Chishi shared his struggles with addiction and the difficulty of overcoming its grip and making a conscious decision to change his life to set an example for others. Reflecting on his journey of regret and suffering, he called on students of social work to become pillars of support for society. He emphasized the need for empathy and compassion in addressing addiction, urging social work professionals to be more empathetical and compassionate to bridge the gap between intellectual knowledge and practical intervention.
Dr. Toli H. Kiba, Assistant Professor, NEISSR, while expressing appreciation announced that Drug-Free Campaign will extend its reach to school students, facilitate peer mediation in colleges, and engage with the People Forum for Peace at the community level in the state through Peace Channel. The programme concluded with a collective pledge against drug use, raising awareness about substance abuse and its consequences. NEISSR was officially declared a drug-free, alcohol-free, and tobacco-free campus, reaffirming its commitment to a safe and healthy learning environment.
The commemoration of World Social Work Day 2025 and the launch of the Drug-Free Campaign shows NEISSR’s unwavering dedication to social transformation, youth empowerment, and community development, aligning with its vision of fostering peace and holistic well-being in society. The programme was chaired by Mr. Alongba Sangtam, MSW II Semester, ensuring the seamless execution of the event.
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https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/north-east-institute-of-social-sciences-and-research-launches-drug-free-campaign-on-world-social-work-day: NEISSR Commemorates World Social Work Day 2025 and Launches Drug-Free Campaign