MLA for tough action over sale of narcotics

De-addiction Day observed at a college to mark birth anniversary of Dr Mahant Shivayogi seer

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Shivamogga

STUDENTS must avoid addictions from an early age and strive to contribute positively to the country, said C S Chandrabhupal, chairman of the District Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority.

He was speaking after inaugurating De-addiction Day at the Government First Grade College organised to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Mahant Shivayogi seer on Friday. The event was held in collaboration with the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Karnataka State Temperance Board, Department of Information and Public Relations, and the college's NSS units.

"Dr Shivayogi was known for encouraging people to symbolically give up their addictions by placing them in his bag. Youth must stay away from substances like gutka, cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol, adding that good health, both physical and mental, is foundational to progress," he said and urged government schools and colleges to set an example in promoting healthy habits.

Delivering a special lecture, Dr Aishwarya V H, counselor at Positive Mind Hospital, said awareness is the first step toward recovery. Quoting a report, she noted that 16 crore people in India consume alcohol, 3.1 crore use cannabis, and 5.7 crore are addicted to other substances, many starting as early as age 14. She attributed the trend partly to media and advertising.