Roy Urges Youth to Combat Child Marriage and Drug Abuse

Agartala, Feb 22, 2025, By Our Correspondent27

Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Tinku Roy, has called upon students and young people to adopt a mindset of self-reliance and actively participate in societal development.

Speaking as the chief guest at the State-Level Chintan Divas program at the Raima Swimming Pool premises in Badharghat, he emphasized the urgent need to combat child marriage and drug abuse in the state.

Highlighting the importance of youth engagement in social progress, Roy stated that initiatives like Chintan Divas promote collective growth and awareness. He stressed that ensuring inclusive participation in every initiative is vital for achieving meaningful progress.

The minister further pointed out that Tripura is rich in resources, which must be utilized efficiently for the state’s development. He praised the state’s growing achievements in school-level sports competitions, noting that Tripura has won several medals in the last two years. Despite its small size, the state has shown remarkable progress in various fields, he added.

Deputy Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation, Monika Das Dutta, who presided over the event, emphasized that sports are now an integral part of education. She acknowledged the role of Scouts and Guides in social service, particularly in tackling critical issues like child marriage and drug abuse. She also highlighted the importance of blood donation, urging people to contribute to this noble cause.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Chakraborty, Secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, underscored the significant role of Scouts and Guides in assisting the state government. He emphasized their potential in preventing child marriages and promoting a drug-free society.

Special guest DIG of State Police, Prabir Majumdar, addressed the gathering, reminding Scouts and Guides of their primary duty to be prepared for emergencies. He stressed their role in rescue operations during natural disasters and crises, urging them to remain mentally and physically prepared at all times.

In his welcome speech, S.B. Nath, Director of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, announced plans to expand Scout and Guide units in schools across the state. He expressed optimism that, like NSS and NCC, the Scouts and Guides movement would see significant growth in Tripura.

As part of the event, individuals who excelled in the Republic Day parade were honored, and a blood donation camp was organized, inaugurated by Sports Minister Tinku Roy. Several dignitaries, including Dr. Bharati Nigam, Joint Director of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, and Dr. Suryakanta Pal, HPD of Khelo India State Center of Excellence, were present at the event.