International Day Against Drug Abuse: Raising Collective Consciousness Through Informed Youth Action

When we come together as a conscious collective aligned with the Divine, we become instruments of transformation, uplifting the consciousness of the world.

Spreading awareness and bringing about change, on 26th June 2025, students, teachers, and members of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force gathered at Gate No. 2 of the school for a rally on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Seventy-eight students, holding placards bearing slogans such as “Humare hai yeh sapna, nasha mukt ho desh apna”, “Parivaar se karo pyaar, nashe ko karo inkaar”, and “Nashe ko kahen na, zindagi ko bole haan”, marched from school to Hahnemann Chauraha Rd, Gomti Nagar. They became a voice of change as they chanted the powerful slogan “Ek yudh nashe ke viruddh” at the top of their lungs.

Once everyone returned to school, a special assembly was held to attentively hear the esteemed guests of the day. Taking the podium, IPS Chakresh Mishra, SSP, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, UP, addressed the students with a heartfelt message. He said, “Students, you have only one life—live it to the fullest by doing something meaningful. When you fall into substance abuse, you not only harm yourself physically and mentally, but also cause pain to your entire family. Your parents have worked hard to give you a good life—don’t let them down. As youngsters, it’s your responsibility to become agents of change and spread awareness.”

Our Principal Mrs. Promini Chopra Ma’am in her speech said, “You’re at an age where it’s easy to get influenced—but you must have the clarity to distinguish right from wrong. If you’re ever at a party or gathering where things like hookah are present, ask yourself—have you told your parents about it? If you can’t, it’s a sign that it’s wrong, and you must avoid it.”

Later, IPS Abdul Hamid, IG, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, UP, added, “This event will truly succeed only when you students carry its message forward—by spreading awareness among your friends, families, and society about the dangers of substances like cigarettes, tobacco, and drugs. We, from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, are here to help people understand just how harmful these substances are. At your age, it’s easy to feel pressured or influenced, but remember—once you fall into this trap, it’s extremely difficult to come out. If anyone ever offers you something like this, that person is not your friend, but your biggest enemy. Stay away and protect your future.”

As part of the awareness session, students were informed about MANAS – the National Narcotics Helpline (1933), a government initiative aimed at combating substance abuse. The helpline offers confidential support, guidance, and counselling to individuals struggling with drug-related issues or those seeking help for someone they know. By sharing this vital resource, the session empowered students to make informed decisions and encouraged them to become proactive messengers of change within their communities.

Students were awarded certificates by the esteemed officers of Anti-Narcotics Task Force in recognition of their participation and commitment to raising awareness against substance abuse on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Together, students and teachers took a solemn oath to stay away from harmful substances and to actively spread awareness, pledging to contribute towards building a drug-free nation.