The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), the Recovery Wellness Society, and the Srimanta Foundation for Culture & Society jointly organised a stakeholders’ consultation on ‘Drugs, HIV, and Prison Health Responses – Discussing Welfare Initiatives and Reforms for Inmates to Address Public Health Challenges of Substance Abuse and HIV Transmission’ at the district jail here on Friday. The programme witnessed the participation of officials from the district jail, prison inmates, resource persons from the Recovery Wellness Society and the Srimanta Foundation for Culture & Society, along with faculty members and staff of the CDOE. Former director general of the Assam Police, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, delivered the keynote address on the theme ‘Building a New Life’.
He advised the inmates to embrace hope, compassion, discipline, and resilience while preparing for life after release. Stressing that every individual deserves a second chance, he encouraged the inmates to become responsible citizens who contribute positively to their families, communities, and the nation through constructive actions and ethical conduct. Inspector General of Prisons Tojo Karga presented a brief on the current status of correctional administration in the state, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inmate welfare and prison reform.
He urged the inmates to use their period of incarceration as an opportunity for self-reflection, personal growth, and behavioural change. Emphasising the importance of moderation, he reminded the audience that excess in any form often leads to adverse consequences. CDOE Assistant Professor Dr Kiri Taso also spoke.
The first technical session was delivered by the founder and project head of the Recovery Wellness Society, Anupam Rohit, on the topic ‘Understanding Substance Abuse: Causes, Consequences, Recovery and Hope’. He encouraged the inmates to believe in their capacity for positive change, and highlighted that rehabilitation begins with an individual’s willingness to rebuild life with purpose and responsibility. As part of the awareness initiative, the organisers screened an educational documentary titled Myths and Truths about Substance Abuse, which addressed common misconceptions surrounding addiction and highlighted scientific facts regarding prevention, treatment, and recovery.
The second technical session was conducted by trustee of the Srimanta Foundation for Culture & Society, Dipankar Mahanta, on ‘Yoga, Spirituality and Inner Well-being (Part I & II)’. He explained the therapeutic value of yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices in promoting physical fitness, mental stability, emotional resilience, social harmony, and spiritual growth. He encouraged the inmates to incorporate these practices into their daily routines as effective tools for stress management, emotional healing, and personal transformation.
During a question-answer session, the inmates actively engaged with the speakers by sharing their experiences and seeking guidance on rehabilitation, addiction recovery, and reintegration into society. CDOE Assistant Professor Moyir Riba expressed appreciation for the prison administration for its wholehearted cooperation and commitment in organising the consultation.
