Drug Awareness Program

The Drug Abuse Awareness Program was organized on 13 April 2023. The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. Amalraj A, IPS., Commissioner of Police, Tambaram City. The event was also attended by the Police Officers from Tambaram City.

Dr. Amalraj in his special address said that the life of a student is both challenging and interesting. They face problems to overcome these challenges in order to achieve their goals and be successful in life. The Commissioner informed that illicit drugs are one such problem that cause hindrance to the development of the students. He also added that drugs cannot be eradicated totally as there are certain medicines which are used for treatment of physical ailments. But excessive use of these medicines would surely be a hazardous threat to one’s life. He advised the student audience to be cautious and stay away from the use of drugs. Dr. Amalraj quoted real life case studies to explain the dangers of drug usage. He also advised the students to take up any form of sports in order keep themselves active and engaged. He urged the students to inform the college authorities and student counselors if they find their peers using illicit drugs. Also, they can contact the Drug Abuse Toll Free number: 10581 for further help. He concluded his speech by suggesting the Institution to establish an Anti-Drug Club in order to help the drug addicts.

The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. S. N. Sridhara, Vice Chancellor. His speech accentuated the menace and prevention of drugs. The Vice Chancellor said that addiction is an advanced stage of substance abuse where the user develops a compulsion to take the drug, persists in usage despite its harmful consequences and exhibits a determination to obtain the drug by almost any means. These psychoactive substances can lead to dependence syndrome - a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena, which are marked by social withdrawal. As drug abuse is one of the most serious health problems faced by the world today, Dr. Sridhara suggested ways that would curb the menace of drug usage viz. prevention and education, early intervention and treatment, law enforcement, community involvement and international cooperation. He concluded his speech saying that drug menace cannot be solved overnight and requires a sustained effort from all stakeholders to effectively address the issue.

The event commenced with Thamizh Thai Vazhthu. The welcome address delivered by Dr. Pon. Ramalingam, Registrar. The Anti-Drug Oath was administered by Dr. K. S. Shaji, Dean, Student Affairs. She also proposed the vote of thanks. A brief introduction of the Chief Guest was presented by Ms. Beena James, Head (i/c), Student Affairs. A video of the speech of Thiru. M. K. Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu was played for the audience. Through his speech, the Chief Minister urged the youth to refrain themselves from the use of drugs. The program concluded with the National Anthem.