Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 29: A drug abuse awareness programme was held at St Aloysius Institute of Management & Information Technology (AIMIT), Kotekar Beeri, in collaboration with Dr Thunga’s Manaswini Hospital, Arkula, and the Mangaluru police department, to sensitize students on the dangers of substance abuse and promote mental well-being.

The session featured Dr George Sebastian, consultant psychiatrist at Dr Thunga’s Manaswini Hospital, as the resource person. In his address, he elaborated on the various types of drugs, their patterns of use, and the adverse physical and psychological effects of addiction. He emphasized how substance abuse can severely affect a person’s mental health, emotional balance, and academic performance.

Offering the perspective of law enforcement, ASI Yogish from the Mangaluru police department spoke about the legal consequences of drug possession and trafficking, sharing real-life cases that highlighted the gravity of the issue. He urged students to remain alert, responsible, and proactive in spreading awareness among their peers.

The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr Kiran Cotha SJ, director of AIMIT Centre, and Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor. The event was coordinated by Dr Rakesh Kumar B and Dr Steeven D’Souza, with enthusiastic participation from faculty members and students.

The initiative aimed to educate youth on the perils of substance abuse, encourage mental health awareness, and foster a collective commitment to building a drug-free and healthy community.