Phek: The Elpis Society for Rehabilitation Centre was formally launched in Phek by Dr. Pritpal Kaur, IPS, SP Phek, on August 16, marking a significant community-led initiative aimed at supporting individuals struggling with alcohol, drug and substance dependence.
The community-based organisation has been established with the objective of providing hope, counselling, rehabilitation support and opportunities for reintegration to individuals affected by addiction and their families.
The name ‘Elpis’, derived from Greek, means hope for good, reflecting the Society’s central philosophy of helping people overcome substance dependence while restoring dignity, confidence and purpose.
Dr Pritpal Kaur’s Initiative Focuses on Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Founded under the vision and leadership of Dr Pritpal Kaur, the Elpis Society seeks to address substance dependence through a comprehensive community-based approach.
Its core areas of work include awareness generation, prevention, counselling, rehabilitation support, community engagement and advocacy. The Society will also work towards reducing the stigma and discrimination often faced by people affected by substance use disorders.
The initiative aims not only to help individuals recover from addiction but also to support their families and facilitate their meaningful reintegration into society.
Rehabilitation Centre Work Already Underway
Following the launch, repair and other preparatory works at the rehabilitation centre have begun. The centre is expected to start registering its first batch of individuals affected by drug dependence soon.
Those undergoing rehabilitation will receive structured support from a multidisciplinary team comprising professional counsellors, doctors, prayer-centre experts and caretakers. The objective is to provide holistic assistance addressing the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual dimensions of recovery.
The centre is expected to become an important local support system for individuals seeking to break free from substance dependence and rebuild their lives.
Dr Kaur Unveils Society Constitution
The launch programme was chaired by Wazote Akami, General Secretary of the Elpis Society, and began with an invocation by Dr Vezhoto Soho, Associate Pastor, PTBC.
The keynote address was delivered by Velato Nienu, President of the Elpis Society, who highlighted the importance of compassion, community participation and collective responsibility in tackling substance dependence.
One of the key moments of the programme was the formal unveiling of the Constitution of the Elpis Society by Dr Pritpal Kaur.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kaur encouraged people to work collectively towards creating a drug- and intoxicant-free Phek district.
She described the rehabilitation centre and the Society as her final parting gift to the district before her transfer, expressing the hope that the initiative would contribute towards building a more peaceful, healthier and progressive community.
Society to Work Against Stigma Around Substance Dependence
The Elpis Society’s approach goes beyond conventional rehabilitation by placing emphasis on community participation and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction.
Through awareness programmes, preventive interventions, counselling and advocacy, the organisation intends to encourage people and families to seek help without fear of discrimination.
The initiative also seeks to create a supportive environment in which individuals recovering from substance dependence can regain confidence and eventually return to their families and communities.
Vision and Mission Presented at Launch
During the programme, Nuvekulu Ezung, Vice President of the Elpis Society, presented the organisation’s vision and mission.
The event also featured a musical performance of “When We Believe” by Vamvelu Lohe of Tune Up Academy, adding a message of hope and collective responsibility to the occasion.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Shekunelu Venuh, while the programme concluded with a mass spoken prayer and benediction led by Aniele Seyie, Women Chairperson, Angami Baptist Church, Phek.
A New Beginning for an Addiction-Free Phek
The launch of the Elpis Society marks the beginning of a dedicated effort to provide structured rehabilitation and community support to people affected by alcohol, drugs and other forms of substance dependence.
With the rehabilitation centre moving towards operationalisation and its first batch of beneficiaries expected to be registered soon, the initiative aims to create a sustainable support system involving counsellors, doctors, spiritual support experts, caretakers, families and the wider community.
The Society’s larger vision is to restore hope, dignity and purpose to people affected by addiction while working towards a healthier, more compassionate and addiction-free Phek district.
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