Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/EP)
Udupi, Jun 26: In light of the increasing number of young individuals falling victim to drug abuse, senior civil judge and member of the district legal services authority, Sharmila S, expressed her concern and proposed a solution."It is tragic that an increasing number of youth these days become victims of drug abuse. The issue can be solved by including proper lessons on the ills of drug abuse in the school curriculum," opined Sharmila S.
She was speaking after inaugurating an information seminar held for college students by various organizations at Atal Bihari Vajpayee auditorium on Monday, June 26 as part of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
"Nearly 200 million people are suffering in the world due to drug addiction. There is huge demand in the world for alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, drugs, opium, cocaine, etc. Youth become their victims even after knowing their negative effects and lose their lives being unable to come out of the addiction. Programs creating awareness of their disastrous effects and law should be held for students, parents, and teachers from time to time. Lessons on drug abuse should be included in the school textbooks. The health of the country and economy will be adversely affected due to drug addiction among the youth," she said.
DSP Akshay Machindra Hakay, who presided over the program, said that cases of drug abuse are getting registered every day. "Usually, those who stay away from home and remain in the company of friends and get mentally hurt become drug addicts. Small children, youth, educated and intelligent people become victims of drug addiction. It causes problems for society, families, and the security of the country. They should indulge in sports, arts, swimming, and other cultural activities to come out of it," he said.
Dr A V Baliga group of institute director, Udupi Karavali IMA president Dr P V Bhandary gave a keynote address. The helpline 14416 jointly started by Nimhans, Bengaluru, and the department of health and family welfare was inaugurated. A V Baliga hospital private consultant Padma Raghavendra administered an oath to stay away from drugs.
District surgeon Dr Sudesh Kumar, A V Baliga Hospital's Dr Sulatha Bhandary, Pre-university Education Board deputy director Maruthi, Udupi Karavali IMA secretary and orthopedic doctor Dr Keshav Nayak, district officer of the specially-abled, Roshan Kumar, and others were present.
District Health and Family Welfare officer Dr Nagabhooshan Udupa welcomed.
District Psychiatric Health Programme officer Dr Latha Nayak proposed a vote of thanks.