Media Release
Udupi, Dec 10: The department of Student Affairs, MAHE conducted a Peer Support Workshop on the 'Role of Students in making Udupi NashaMukt' on December 9, 2021 in hybrid mode. This workshop was part of the project 'NashaMukt Udupi Abhiyaan by involving Young Leaders of MAHE' which is part of the larger nationwide campaign 'NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyaan' started by the Government of India.
Dr Anil Kakunje, professor and head, department of Psychiatry, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangaluru was the chief guest for the inaugural function and Dr Somashekar Bhat, joint director of MIT, was the guest of honour. The event was presided over by Dr P L N G Rao, pro vice-chancellor MAHE.
The workshop contained interactive sessions for students that created awareness on the menace of drug abuse and how peer support is crucial in dealing with the issue. Chief guest Dr Kakunje elaborated on the hazardous effects of tobacco, alcohol, and different kinds of drugs.He emphasized on the importance of early identification of victims and effective remedial action at the earliest opportunity, especially by peers. He appreciated and applauded the enthusiasm of the students for their participation in such a peer support workshop.
The event also included the inauguration of NashaMukt Club at MAHE. Its poster was officially released by the dignitaries present.
Speaking about the workshop Dr P L N G Rao, pro vice-chancellor MAHE said, “Substance abuse is one of the major challenges the country is facing today. Students especially fall victims to this problem, and they do not know whom to turn to for help. This is where the role of their peers becomes so important. Track, Talk, Treat and Transform- this is the 4T concept that students should follow when dealing with victims of drug addiction. The aim of this workshop was to encourage students to support their peers to overcome substance addictions. We are glad to see such enthusiastic participation from the students of MAHE.”
In the workshop, Dr Geetha Maiya, director, student affairs and principal investigator, NashaMukt Udupi Abhiyaan Project, gave an overview of all the programmes and activities conducted since April 2021 under the project and elaborated on the activities planned for the student participants and the faculty coordinators in the coming months.
Speaking about the NashaMukt Project Dr Geetha Maiya said, “MAHE is dedicated to helping the student community deal with the issue of drug abuse. The NashaMukt project aims at creating awareness not only about the hazards of drug use but also stresses on the importance of peer support and helps them commit to the cause of curbing this menace. We commend the support we have received from the student community in this regard”