Hyderabad: Students Pledge 'Say No to Drugs - Yes to Life' in Rally Against Narcotics
Hyderabad: Thousands of youth and students from various colleges, driven by a strong commitment, shouted the slogan ‘Say No to Drugs - Yes to Life’ and took an oath to build a narcotics-free society by participating in the eradication of this evil. The cloudy weather on Tuesday morning boosted the enthusiasm of the students who took part in the rally on Necklace Road, held in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka flagged off the rally, organized by the Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau. Artisans in traditional attire cheered the participants. Addressing the gathering before flagging off the rally, Bhatti urged the youth to join this war against drugs and become anti-drug soldiers.
He stated, “In peaceful societies and loving families, drugs enter like poison and destroy the environment. Anti-social elements want this to happen in our nation. Two types of people engage in this activity: those who want to earn easy money through wrong means and those who aim to destroy the fabric of our nation.”
He further added, “When Sandeep Shandilya approached me for funds for this narcotics unit, I said take whatever you need, but ensure no traces of drugs remain in the state. The Chief Minister is keen on making the state drug-free.”
“Parents are often busy with daily life, and drug peddlers exploit this by targeting innocent youth,” he added.
“These drugs are spreading from cities to villages. Our police department is strong and intelligent, and will soon put a stop to it. We should develop an attitude of supporting this department. All districts and villages should form anti-drug committees to make this state narcotics-free. We will allocate crores of rupees to succeed in our mission.”
He called on the youth to consider their families before trying such dreadful substances, emphasizing that anti-social elements want the youth to become their slaves.
A video song on anti-drugs was released during the occasion. Principal Secretary and several police officers shared the stage, along with Telangana shooter Esha Singh, who is in the Indian Rifle and Pistol squad for the Paris Olympics. Chief Secretary A Santhi Kumari and DGP Telangana Ravi Gupta also participated.
College students from several educational institutions shared their experiences about their participation in the event, taking selfies at photo booths set up at the venue.
Around 200 students from Stanley Engineering College raised slogans. Shruthi, who coordinated her college’s contingent, said, “This event showed students how dangerous drug use is in society and how families suffer. Students are now encouraged to participate as anti-drug soldiers.”
A large group of students from Shadan Engineering College, Khairtabad, including Shaimaa, Muskaan, Sarah, Summaya, Shazmeen, and Sara, were seen holding creative placards with thought-provoking quotations. One placard featured a photo of cricketer Virat Kohli with his finger on his lips, saying, “Shhhhhh - Say No to Drugs.”
Hima Bindu from this college explained, “This initiative from the government will raise awareness among the youth about staying away from drugs. When they come across any such activities, they can inform the authorities.”
Vipul, Nithya, Madhumita, and other college mates from KIMTS expressed their joy in participating in the rally.
