Tripura Human Rights Chair Justice Arindam Lodh urges youth to fight drug menace at Agartala Diwali Utsav. Event highlights include cultural performances, social welfare, and women’s empowerment, promoting community responsibility and a drug-free society in Tripura.
Tripura Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh has sounded a clarion call against the rising drug menace, describing it as the greatest threat to society today. Speaking at the 10th Diwali Utsav and Shyama Puja organized by the Sarbojonin Kalipuja Committee near Agartala Railway Station, Justice Lodh emphasized the urgent need for collective societal action to combat drugs and safeguard the younger generation.
Addressing a large gathering, Justice Lodh characterized drugs as an “evil power” with the potential to destroy the social fabric if left unchecked. “The evil powers of today are drugs. If they are allowed to spread, the entire social order will collapse. The youth must rise and fight this menace,” he said, urging young people to assume responsibility in preserving the moral and ethical values of the community.
Justice Lodh also highlighted the critical role of women in societal transformation, noting that women empowerment is not a modern phenomenon in Indian civilisation. Drawing from mythology, he explained, “Women have always been a source of strength. The divine mother has destroyed evil forces in our mythology. If a mother decides, her child will never go astray. The values we inherit must be passed on to the next generation to prevent social degradation.”
The event saw the presence of Swami Buddhirupananda Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission as the Guest of Honour, along with local corporators and dignitaries. Later, MLA Mina Rani Sarkar and Amtali SDPO Parmita Pandey joined the celebrations, highlighting the importance of public participation in community festivals.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, clothes were distributed among inmates of a local old-age home, reflecting the organizers’ commitment to social welfare alongside cultural celebration. The programme also featured vibrant cultural performances, including a solo saxophone recital by Saumyadhrita Bhowmik, a drum performance by Master Ahirit, and a series of dance presentations by members of Mahakaal Nrityo Natyo Academy. The inaugural dance was performed by Anyasha Bardhan and Nandita Roy, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Speaking about the history of the puja, the organizers said that the Sarbojonin Kalipuja Committee has been hosting the Diwali Utsav annually for the past decade, driven by the initiative and dedication of local youths including Prasenjit Chakraborty, Pratim Dey, Prasenjit Lodh, Prasenjit Shil, and Sajal Chowdhury. The event, they noted, aims to promote cultural unity, social responsibility, and community engagement, combining festive celebration with a strong social message.
Justice Lodh’s remarks resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the idea that tackling drug abuse requires collective action and sustained vigilance from every section of society. By invoking the power of women and youth in society, he provided a moral framework for community involvement, urging individuals to act decisively against forces that threaten social harmony.
The Diwali Utsav thus served not only as a celebration of tradition and culture but also as a platform for social awareness, urging citizens to take proactive steps in combating challenges like drug addiction. Local leaders, cultural performers, and community members alike expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to foster a strong, responsible, and empowered society.
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With initiatives like the Diwali Utsav gaining momentum, organizers and civic leaders hope to create a drug-free environment, promote cultural values, and encourage the youth to emerge as agents of social change. Justice Lodh’s call to action serves as a timely reminder that the fight against drugs is a shared responsibility that requires courage, community spirit, and persistent effort.
