Mass awareness rally held in Mysuru against drug abuse

MYSURU Emphasising the need to protect young people from substance abuse, First Additional District and Sessions Judge Sandhya Rao P. called upon the youth to stay away from addictive substances and adopt a healthy lifestyle. She was speaking after inaugurating an awareness rally against drug abuse organised under the NALSA’s DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) initiative in Mysuru.

The programme was jointly organised by the District Legal Services Authority, Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Department of Justice, Mysuru Bar Association, Police Department and JSS Law College (Autonomous), along with other departments and organisations. Ms. Rao said the primary objective of the campaign was to protect students and the younger generation from the harmful effects of narcotic substances.

The youth were the future of the country and should not fall prey to addiction under any circumstances, she said. The campaign sought to create awareness, particularly among children in the 12-18 age group and students, about the dangers of drug abuse. The rally began at JSS Law College and passed through prominent junctions before culminating near the Old Court Complex, where floral tributes were paid to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

Students raised slogans against drug abuse and carried placards highlighting its harmful consequences. Senior Civil Judge and Member-Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority Nagaraj Siddappa Ankasadoddi, Additional Superintendent of Police Mallik C., Central Prison Chief Superintendent Sheshumurthy V., Deputy Director of the Department of Women and Child Development R.

Nagaraj, Bar Association president S. Lokesh, JSS Law College Chief Executive K.S. Suresh and principal N. Vanishree were present. Officials from various departments, doctors, panel advocates, college students and practitioners of the Heartfulness Institute also participated.