Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 2: Students led by all college students' union participated in a walkathon, organized in association with Udupi district police and Rotary Koota against drug abuse on Wednesday, March 2.
Superintendent of police (SP) Annamalai flagged off the march which was held to promote 'Say no to drugs' at Town Hall, Ajjarkad to Clock Tower near service bus stand.
Addressing the gathering, Annamalai said, "Around 20% of drug abuse cases have been reported under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act every year in the country.
"With steady economic growth of the nation, drug abuse has also been on the rise. Other crimes like rape and theft are relatively under control, but drug related cases are increasing rapidly," he added.
"Students can make use of bulletin board, posters and banners for creating awareness among present generation about the harmful effects of drug abuse," he advised.
Dr P V Bhandary, director of A V Baliga memorial hospital spoke about the problem of drug addiction and said, "The first puff of cigarette and the first peg of alcohol lead to addiction which may also lead to consumption of drugs. It causes health and cognitive disorder."
SP K Annamalai also conducted an oath taking ceremony for students against drug abuse.
A street play by students stressed on the consequences of drug menace.
Jaykar Shetty Indrali, Dinkar Shetty, Rohini, Harikrishna and others were present.