804 Hyderabad Students Attend International Anti-Drugs Day Event at Rashtrapati Nilayam
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at Rashtrapati Nilayam on Saturday as part of its community engagement initiatives.
Hyderabad:Around 804 students from 19 schools and colleges across Hyderabad participated in the drug awareness programme at Rashtrapati Nilayam on Saturday in collaboration with Telangana State Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TSANB).
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at Rashtrapati Nilayam on Saturday as part of its community engagement initiatives.
The programme was organised in collaboration with TSANB and the Telangana state police to create awareness among college students about the ill-effects of drug abuse, preventive measures, legal consequences and the role of youth in building a drug-free society.
The participating institutions included Shantiniketan Vidyalaya, Government Degree College, Bhavan’s Vivekananda College, CMR International School, Bowenpally, Andhra Mahila Sabha Arts & Science College for Women and Ghousia Memorial High School.
The programme was graced by Sandeep Shandilya, director, TSANB and Anita Rayirala, professor and head, department of psychiatry, Government Medical College, Siddipet.
Shandilya spoke on the causes, effects and patterns of drug highlighting the initiatives undertaken by TSANB to create awareness. He also presented an overview of student involvement in cases under the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS) Act in Telangana and explained TSANB’s efforts in rescuing affected students and youth and facilitating their rehabilitation through de-addiction centres.
Rayirala explained the factors that lead to the initiation of drug use and elaborated on its adverse physical, psychological and social consequences.
A slogan-writing competition on the theme ‘No to Drugs’ was also conducted to encourage students to express their commitment to a drug-free society and reinforce the campaign’s message through original and impactful slogans. The staff of Rashtrapati Nilayam and all the participants took the “no to drugs” pledge.
To further strengthen the outreach initiative, information stalls were set up by TSANB, Bharosa Centre and the institute of mental health, Hyderabad. The stalls provided participants with educational material on drug abuse prevention, mental health and well-being, counselling services, and rehabilitation facilities.
