SHILLONG, AUG. 1: What is in a name? Quite a lot, it seemed, when John, Paul and Francis found themselves sharing the same stage in Shillong. What began as a government programme to strengthen Meghalaya’s campaign against substance abuse unexpectedly acquired a symbolic and almost poetic touch as three names associated with revered Christian figures came together at one event, prompting a spontaneous remark that left the audience smiling while reinforcing a message of hope, compassion and collective resolve.
As Meghalaya intensified its fight against substance abuse by bringing together policymakers, young people, recovery champions and Bollywood actor John Abraham on a common platform, an impromptu observation by Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh became one of the defining moments of the programme.
Looking at the dais during the launch of Pulse of the Hills: Every Beat Against Drugs, Lyngdoh remarked:
“The extra factor is you have two saints sitting in front of you, John and Paul. And yes we have Francis also….”
The light-hearted comment drew laughter from the audience, but also echoed the larger spirit of the campaign, which sought to inspire young people through hope, unity and collective responsibility rather than fear.
The Meghalaya government brought together policymakers, youths, recovery champions and Bollywood actor John Abraham under one platform to launch Pulse of the Hills: Every Beat Against Drugs, reinforcing its mission to combat substance abuse through prevention, rehabilitation and community participation.
Organised by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) at the State Guest House, the programme focused on prevention, recovery, youth engagement and community participation in tackling the growing drug menace.
Held under the patronage of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the event was attended by Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh as the chief guest, while John Abraham participated as the special guest.
The programme reflected a growing national recognition that addressing substance abuse requires more than law enforcement. It demands public participation, inspiring role models and sustained engagement with young people through sports, mentorship and community-led initiatives.
During an interactive session, Abraham and Lyngdoh spoke about the transformative role of sports, discipline and youth development in steering young people away from drugs, reinforcing the campaign’s message that every positive choice is another beat against addiction.
