Bhubaneswar: SOA Deemed to be University, through its National Service Scheme (NSS) bureau, organized a vital anti-drug awareness and sensitization program on Monday, addressing the grave issue of drug addiction among students.
The event, titled ‘Addiction Among Students,’ was a collaborative effort with the Bhubaneswar Zonal Unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs, and took place at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS).
Dr. Nikhil Goel, a Consultant Psychiatrist from Patna and a resource person for NCB’s Jharkhand region, delivered an insightful, hour-long presentation. He meticulously explained the various facets of drug use, including misuse, harmful use, abuse, and addiction. Dr. Goel also detailed different categories of drugs and their detrimental effects on various body organs, concluding with an interactive question-and-answer session with students.
Samiran Paul, Superintendent of the Bhubaneswar Zonal Office of NCB, underscored the critical seriousness of drug addiction among the student community. He further elaborated on the legal provisions related to drug abuse, reinforcing the consequences of such activities.
The program commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Nachieketa K. Sharma, Director of International Relations and University Outreach Program at SOA. Prof. Santosh Kumar Rout, Dean of IAS, also addressed the gathering. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Saroj Kumar Mohanty.
In a significant announcement, Prof. Sharma revealed that similar anti-drug awareness programs, in partnership with the NCB, are slated to be conducted across all university campuses within the next month.
This proactive initiative is a cornerstone of SOA University’s commitment to educating students about the perils of drug abuse, the legal frameworks in place to combat narcotics, and the pivotal role youth play in fostering a drug-free society. Participants were also encouraged to report any suspicious activities by dialing the national helpline number 1933.
Students from various institutes under SOA, including the Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), SOA National Institute of Law (SNIL), and the Institute of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (IVSAH), joined their peers from IAS in attending the impactful program.