Dignitaries at the inauguration of an awareness programme on the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs, in Mysuru on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Senior Civil Judge and Member-Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority Nagaraj Siddappa Ankasadoddi said drug and alcohol addiction could ruin the future of the younger generation and urged youngsters to stay away from such habits.He was speaking after inaugurating an awareness programme on the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs at Jnanodaya Pre-University College here on Thursday. The programme was organised jointly by the district administration, Karnataka State Alcohol Prohibition Board, Department of Information and Public Relations, District Legal Services Authority, District Child Protection Unit, Health Department and Jnanodaya PU College to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Mahanta Shivayogi.Mr. Ankasadoddi said the youth were the country’s wealth and should not fall prey to drug abuse, alcoholism or smoking due to bad company or misleading influences.Drug sale and consumption were punishable offences, and various agencies, including the police, Excise Department and drug enforcement agencies, were working to curb the menace, he said.Drug addiction could also push youngsters into crime when they were unable to arrange money to sustain their addiction, leading to theft, robbery and other offences. Students, teachers and parents should therefore remain vigilant, he said.Referring to a recent seizure of drugs reportedly worth ₹380 crore in Mysuru, he urged people to inform the authorities if they noticed drug sale or consumption in their neighbourhood. Information could be shared through the 1933 helpline, and the identity of informants would be kept confidential, he said.Department of Information and Public Relations Deputy Director Vinod Chandra said the birth anniversary of Mahantesh Swami was being observed as Addiction-Free Day to commemorate his efforts to create awareness against bad habits. Swami had travelled from village to village urging people to give up their addictions, he said.Jnanodaya PU College Principal K. Padma, who presided over the programme, urged students to follow the advice given by the resource persons and maintain discipline.District Mental Health Programme Officer Dr. Nagesh Aradhya said India had a large young population and stressed the need to protect youngsters from addiction.Women and Child Development Department Deputy Director Nagaraju R. advised students aged 15 to 20 to devote more time to education and stay away from alcohol and drugs.Psychiatrist Dr. Manjushree said drug abuse affected both physical and mental health. Youngsters were particularly vulnerable to addiction and could suffer from mental instability, depression and involvement in criminal activities.District Child Protection Officer Asha P. created awareness about child marriage and provisions of the POCSO Act.Deputy Director of School Education and Literacy (PU) Nagamma M.B., Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations Nirmala S.H., teaching and non-teaching staff and students were present. Published - August 20, 2026 08:35 pm IST
