Shillong, July 31: The Meghalaya Government intensified its campaign against substance abuse on Friday with the launch of the “Pulse of the Hills: Every Beat Against Drugs” programme in Shillong, bringing together government representatives, recovery champions, youth and Bollywood actor and Northeast United FC co-owner John Abraham.
Organised by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM), the anti-drug awareness programme was held at the State Guest House, Taraghar. The initiative focused on prevention, recovery, youth engagement and community participation as part of the government’s efforts towards a drug-free Meghalaya. Adviser to the Government of Meghalaya, Social Welfare Department, Paul Lyngdoh attended as the chief guest, while Abraham participated as the special guest.
During an interactive session with students and participants, Abraham stressed the importance of sports, discipline and a substance-free lifestyle. Expressing his affection for Shillong and the Northeast, he described the region as a “hotbed of football” and said his new football academy is expected to be ready within the next two years. Abraham also expressed his ambition to see world-class football talent emerge from the region, saying he hoped to see “a Ronaldo or a Messi coming from the Northeast.”
Paul Lyngdoh highlighted ongoing investments in Meghalaya’s youth and social sectors, including the upcoming football academy and the construction of what he described as India’s biggest stadium in Shillong.
As part of the programme, dignitaries inaugurated a vehicle under the Social Welfare Department and DREAM Mission dedicated to the Asha Bhavan Rehab Centre in Tura, aimed at strengthening drug reduction, rehabilitation and related interventions. Abraham was also felicitated during the programme alongside recovery champions, including the state’s youngest recovery champion.
Social Welfare Director Saloni Verma said the programme represented the government’s united stand against substance abuse, with emphasis on prevention, recovery and hope. She highlighted the work being undertaken through DREAM, which was launched in 2022, and encouraged young people to draw inspiration from Abraham’s commitment to fitness and discipline.
The programme also featured a personal testimony, “The Choice That Changed Everything,” by Recovery Champion 2026 Marvin B. Warjri of the Meghalaya Users’ Forum. Fitfluencer and Youth Icon Awardee 2024 Dapalei Linna Warjri delivered a presentation titled “Fit Over Fix,” promoting fitness as a positive outlet for young people. A musical performance titled “Made for More” was presented by vocalist and World Championship of Performing Arts 2026 finalist Kitkupar Nongsiej.
The programme concluded at the “Dream Wall of Commitment,” where dignitaries and participants took a collective pledge towards building a drug-free Meghalaya.
According to the Social Welfare Department, initiatives such as “Pulse of the Hills” form part of the government’s broader multisectoral strategy to combat substance abuse while promoting prevention, rehabilitation, recovery and youth empowerment across the state.
