Drug and Tobacco Awareness Seminar 2026: Powerful Campaign for 250 Students
Drug and Tobacco Awareness Seminar was jointly organised at Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, on 19 September 2026 by the Government of Tamil Nadu Public Health and Medical Department, Thoothukudi District Police and the Anti-Drug and Anti-Ragging Committee of Kamaraj College. The awareness programme brought together 250 students and focused on educating young people about the harmful effects of drug abuse and tobacco use.
The seminar was held under the leadership of Thiru. R. Muthuselvam, Secretary, Kamaraj College. Thiru. R. Sivaprasad, Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District, participated as the Special Guest and inaugurated the programme by planting a sapling.
Drug and Tobacco Awareness Seminar at Kamaraj College
The seminar was organised to strengthen awareness among college students about the dangers associated with substance abuse and tobacco consumption.
The collaborative programme brought together public health authorities, the Police Department, the College and social organisations to communicate the importance of prevention and responsible choices among young people.
The programme also encouraged students to recognise their role in creating a healthier and drug-free society.
Welcome Address
Thiru. Kennedy, District Health Director, delivered the Welcome Address and welcomed the dignitaries, faculty members and students to the awareness seminar.
The programme highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts by educational institutions, health authorities and law-enforcement agencies in preventing drug and tobacco abuse.
Felicitations by the Principal
Dr. K. Bhanumathi, Principal, Kamaraj College (Autonomous), offered her felicitations on the occasion.
Her participation reinforced the College’s commitment to creating awareness among students about health, personal responsibility and socially responsible behaviour.
Special Guest Inaugurates the Programme
Thiru. R. Sivaprasad, Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District, participated in the programme as the Special Guest.
He formally inaugurated the seminar by planting a sapling.
His presence strengthened the programme’s emphasis on community responsibility and the importance of coordinated action against substance abuse.
Awareness Address by Medical Officer
Dr. Inigo, Medical Officer, delivered an awareness address during the programme.
The session contributed to educating students about issues associated with substance abuse and the importance of protecting their health through informed and responsible decisions.
The interaction also helped connect the anti-drug message with the broader objective of promoting healthy lifestyles among young people.
Tobacco Prevention Awareness
Ms. Rosary Fathima, Social Worker, provided information and awareness regarding tobacco prevention.
The session focused attention on tobacco as an important public-health concern and encouraged students to understand the importance of avoiding tobacco use.
The awareness component strengthened the preventive message of the Drug and Tobacco Awareness Seminar.
Anti-Drug Pledge by Students
An Anti-Drug Pledge formed an important part of the programme.
Ms. Bhanumathi, Coordinator, Mother Social Trust, administered the pledge, and the participating students collectively took the pledge against drug abuse.
The activity encouraged students to make a personal commitment towards remaining free from drugs and supporting the creation of a healthier society.
250 Students Participate in the Seminar
A total of 250 students participated in and benefited from the programme.
The large student participation provided an opportunity to communicate preventive health messages directly to young people.
Through expert interaction, tobacco awareness and the anti-drug pledge, students gained greater awareness about the importance of making responsible choices and avoiding harmful substances.
Role of the Anti-Drug and Anti-Ragging Committee
The Anti-Drug and Anti-Ragging Committee of Kamaraj College played an important role in coordinating the programme.
The event was coordinated by:
- Mr. M. Ayyanuraj – Anti-Drug Coordinator
- Mr. P. Anand – Anti-Ragging Coordinator
Their efforts, along with the support of the NSS Programme Officers, contributed to the successful conduct of the seminar.
Participation of NSS Units
The programme was also supported by the Programme Officers of the following National Service Scheme Units of Kamaraj College:
- NSS Unit 54
- NSS Unit 55
- NSS Unit 56
- NSS Unit 145
- NSS Unit 146
- NSS Unit 181
Their involvement strengthened the student-service and community-awareness dimensions of the programme.
Promoting a Drug-Free Campus
The Drug and Tobacco Awareness Seminar reinforced the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment.
Awareness programmes can help students recognise risks, make informed decisions and understand the importance of seeking appropriate support when required.
The programme also encouraged students to share positive awareness messages among their peers.
Collaborative Approach to Awareness
One of the significant features of the programme was the collaboration among different institutions and organisations.
The involvement of public health authorities, the Thoothukudi District Police, Kamaraj College, social workers and NSS units created a multidisciplinary platform for student awareness.
This collaborative approach demonstrated that preventing drug and tobacco abuse requires participation from educational institutions, families, health professionals, law-enforcement agencies and the wider community.
Objectives of the Programme
The major objectives of the programme were:
- Create awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse
- Educate students about tobacco prevention
- Encourage students to make healthy and responsible choices
- Promote a drug-free and tobacco-free campus environment
- Strengthen awareness through expert interaction
- Encourage students to take a personal stand against substance abuse
- Promote social responsibility among young people
- Strengthen collaboration between the College and public agencies
Programme Highlights
- Programme: Drug and Tobacco Awareness Seminar
- Date: 19 September 2025
- Venue: Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi
- Participants: 250 Students
- Organised Jointly by: Government of Tamil Nadu Public Health and Medical Department, Thoothukudi District Police and Kamaraj College Anti-Drug and Anti-Ragging Committee
- Programme Leadership: Thiru. R. Muthuselvam, Secretary
- Welcome Address: Thiru. Kennedy, District Health Director
- Felicitations: Dr. K. Bhanumathi, Principal
- Special Guest: Thiru. R. Sivaprasad, Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District
- Medical Awareness: Dr. Inigo, Medical Officer
- Tobacco Awareness: Ms. Rosary Fathima, Social Worker
- Anti-Drug Pledge: Ms. Bhanumathi, Coordinator, Mother Social Trust
- Supporting NSS Units: 54, 55, 56, 145, 146 and 181
Programme Outcomes
The programme helped participants to:
- Gain awareness about the dangers of drug abuse
- Understand the importance of tobacco prevention
- Recognise the value of healthy lifestyle choices
- Understand the importance of remaining free from addictive substances
- Express their commitment through the Anti-Drug Pledge
- Recognise their responsibility towards a safe campus environment
- Understand the importance of peer and community awareness
- Develop greater awareness of responsible citizenship
Conclusion
The Drug and Tobacco Awareness Seminar held at Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi, on 19 September 2025 successfully created awareness among 250 students about the importance of preventing drug abuse and tobacco use.
The involvement of the Government of Tamil Nadu Public Health and Medical Department, Thoothukudi District Police, Kamaraj College Anti-Drug and Anti-Ragging Committee and NSS Units strengthened the reach and significance of the programme.
The expert addresses, tobacco-awareness session and Anti-Drug Pledge helped students understand the importance of healthy choices and personal responsibility.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks, marking the successful completion of an awareness initiative aimed at encouraging students to contribute towards a healthy, responsible and drug-free society.
Internal Link
- Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi – Explore more student awareness, NSS and community-service programmes conducted by the College.
External Links
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Awareness resources and initiatives for preventing substance abuse.
- National Tobacco Control Programme – Information and resources related to tobacco control and prevention in India.
- National Service Scheme – Information on student community-service and awareness initiatives.