Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life": Telangana DGP Urges Students to Become Part of Resistance to Drug Addiction

Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Dr. Jitender made an appeal to the youths on Saturday, calling on students to say no to drug addiction and unite to be dynamic beacons towards a healthy tomorrow. Addressing over 2,000 students from 15 institutions on the inauguration of Drug Awareness Week at the Telangana State Integrated Command and Control Centre (TGICCC), he urged, "Drugs wreck lives by wrecking mental and physical wellbeing. You all must take the message to at least ten friends — no drugs, yes health and happiness."

The seven-day tour, June 21 to 26, is with the aim to sensitize people towards the ill-effects of drug addiction, particularly among students. Since increasing numbers of cases of drug abuse among young people in the country are being uncovered, the action by Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) and the state police is a welcome and necessary move.

To ensure the state's determination is more robust, Dr Jitender vowed, "We are progressing towards a drug-free Telangana with zero tolerance. But without you, we can't do it — we need students, teachers, and citizens like you to be our eyes and ears. Report what you see, assist those in trouble, and never ever hold back from reaching out."

The week will see schools and colleges in the state holding rallies, seminars, community programs, and inter-departmental drives on the topic of developing a strong anti-drug culture.

Maybe the most moving aspect of the event was the message board, where students signed personal vows and messages, pledging not to use drugs and urging others not to do so. The board was a stark visual image of group unity and might in the war against drugs.

When students left the venue, they all said that they needed to take the message to their community. "It's not about avoiding drugs — it's about doing the right thing," said one of the students from one of the city schools. With youth leading the way, Telangana's battle against drugs just got its best attempt.