Youth Must Stay Away from Drugs for a Healthy Future, Says Udupi DC

Emphasizes Importance of Youth Staying Away from Substance Abuse

Udupi, August 12, 2024: Deputy Commissioner Dr. K. Vidya Kumari stressed the importance of youth staying away from substance abuse to maintain good health. She was speaking at a rally organized at the Ajjarkad Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Udupi today, as part of the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” and a commemoration of the Geneva Conventions for World Peace.

The event was jointly organized by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Department of Women and Child Development, District Disability and Senior Citizen Empowerment Department, Indian Red Cross Society, Dr. G. Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and Postgraduate Study Centre Ajjarkad, and the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Udupi.

The DC highlighted the vast potential of the nation’s youth, but also acknowledged the challenge posed by substance abuse. “The misuse of youth power through addiction is a significant challenge. It is imperative that we spread awareness against substance abuse to every individual. This is the primary objective of this campaign,” she said.

She further emphasized the need for building a drug-free society, urging the youth to understand the severe consequences of addiction and take responsibility to avoid falling into such traps. “Many young people are losing their precious lives due to substance abuse, and there is a real danger of them becoming antisocial elements. It is crucial to raise awareness about these issues today itself, and this rally is a means to spread that message,” she added.

During the event, Dr. Gananath Yekkar, Secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, administered the anti-drug pledge.

A mobile health vehicle from the Red Cross was inaugurated.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Mamatha Devi G.S., Additional Superintendent of Police S.T. Siddalingappa, Principal of Dr. G. Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and Postgraduate Study Centre Bhaskar Shetty, District Health and Family Welfare Officer I.P. Gadad, Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Development Shyamala C.K., Disability Welfare Officer Ratna, Red Cross Vice President Dr. Ashok Kumar Y.G., Red Cross Board Member Chandrashekhar, Honorary Treasurer Ramadevi, Nodal Officer Jayashree, along with staff from various departments, college students, and others were present.

Basrur Rajeev Shetty, District President of the Indian Red Cross, welcomed the attendees, and Roshan Kumar, Assistant Director of the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, served as the event’s master of ceremonies.