In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, SRMIST hosted a dynamic awareness program at the Dr. T.P. Ganesan Auditorium. The event, organized by Unnat Bharat Abhiyan-SRMIST,

Distinguished Guests and Key Addresses

Dr. V. Thirumurugan, Associate Director of Campus Life and Nodal Officer of Unnath Bharat Abhiyan-SRMIST, welcomed the esteemed guests, including Mr. M. Siddhartha Shankar Roy, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Prohibition Enforcement Wing(PWE), Tambaram City Police. Special guests included Dr.D. Antony Ashok Kumar, Deputy Registrar, SRMIST ,Dr. A. Duraisamy, Dean Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shri. Ravi Kumar, Inspector of Police, Prohibition Enforcement Wing(PWE), Tambaram City Police and Dr. D. Lakshmanan, Professor of Mechanical Engineering & NSS Program Advisor. He also welcomed NSS unit coordinators, faculty members, and students, underscoring the day’s importance in his speech.

Deputy Registrar Dr. D. Antony Ashok Kumar and Dr. Duraisamy , Dean presented a flower bouquet & memento to the Chief Guest. This was followed by Dr. D. Antony Ashok Kumar’s compelling opening address, which emphasized the profound societal impact of drug abuse and the need for a united front to tackle this global threat.

Keynote and Pledges

The keynote speech by Shri. Ravi Kumar, Inspector of Police, Prohibition Enforcement Wing, Tambaram City Police, was a highlight of the event. His insightful presentation delved into the psychological and social repercussions of commonly abused substances, detailing the health hazards, relational breakdowns, and legal ramifications faced by those involved in drug-related activities.

Dr. A. Duraisamy, Dean of Science and Humanities, delivered a powerful speech on the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, highlighting the potential for familial destruction. A solemn pledge against drug abuse was then taken by all attendees, solidifying their commitment to staying away from harmful substances.

Conclusion and Rally

Dr. T. Lakshmanan concluded the program with a vote of thanks, extending the conversation to the growing concern of mobile phone addiction among young people and its potential negative impacts.

The program culminated in a spirited awareness rally, flagged off by Shri. M. Siddhartha Sankar Rai, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Prohibition Enforcement Wing, Tambaram City Police. A large contingent of police personnel from the Tambaram City Police Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) attended the rally, carrying placards with anti-drug messages. More than 300 students from the College of Nursing, Faculty of Science and Humanities, and NSS volunteers participated in the rally. Participants marched from the auditorium through prominent campus locations, including Tech Park, Valliammai Engineering College, gate no. 3, the silver jubilee arch, the Rajarajan statue circle, the clock tower circle, and the medical hospital. The rally concluded near its starting point, with participants carrying banners and placards emblazoned with anti-drug slogans. This visible display of solidarity sparked crucial conversations about the dangers of drug abuse and reaffirmed SRMIST’s unwavering commitment to fostering a drug-free environment for its students and the surrounding community.