On June 30, 2026, students from grades 8 to 12 attended an awareness
program centered on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit
Trafficking. The session was preceded by an insightful introductory briefing by
our school counsellor, Miss Meenu, who prepared us to understand the gravity
of substance abuse and its impact on our generation.
We viewed a detailed broadcast organized by the Bengaluru City Police. The
event was a comprehensive drive to engage youth in the mission for a drug-
free society.
The presentation emphasized that awareness is the primary key to prevention.
It covered the physical and biological consequences of drug consumption and
explored the psychological factors that often lead youth into these traps, such
as peer pressure and curiosity.
The event featured powerful performances, including a mime act by students
from Global Academy of Technology that depicted the harsh reality of
addiction and the hope for recovery.
The event marked the launch of two major campaigns: 'RISE' (Refuse, Inform,
Support, and Empower) and 'Beda Bro' (meaning 'No Bro' in Kannada), which
encourage students to reject drugs and maintain a healthy peer circle.
The Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr. DK Shivakumar, shared a
vision to make Karnataka a drug-free state by 2028. The program also
honoured various educational institutions and student volunteers for their
efforts in creating drug awareness.
This session reinforced the message that addiction is not just a crime but a
health crisis that requires compassion and collective responsibility. The call to
be 'Student Police Marshals' and active participants in our community’s safety
was particularly inspiring. We are grateful to Miss Meenu for her guidance,
which allowed us to process the technical and societal aspects of the program
more deeply.
The event concluded with a strong collective pledge to say "NO" to drugs and
"YES" to life. It was a sobering yet empowering experience that left every
student with a clear sense of duty toward building a safer, healthier future.