Mangaluru: The Anti-Drug Cell, Department of Chemistry, and Student Welfare Group of St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), in collaboration with the Mangaluru City Police, organised an Anti-Drug Awareness Programme for second-year engineering students on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Kalam Auditorium on campus.
The programme aimed to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse, cybercrime, and social misconduct, while encouraging them to make informed decisions and contribute to building a responsible, drug-free society.
Event Inauguration and Dignitaries Present
The programme was graced by Mr Mithun H.N., Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Mangaluru City Police, as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Mr Arun Kumar, PSI, and Mr Pradeep, Police Constable, both from the Mangaluru Rural Police Station.
Also present were Dr K. Jyothi, Dean – Student Welfare, and Dr Pramila Rita D’Souza, Head, Department of Chemistry, SJEC. The dignitaries were escorted onto the dais by Ms Sheetal Fernandes and Dr Saumya Y.M., coordinators of the event.
The ceremony began with a prayer invocation, setting a solemn and reflective tone. Dr K. Jyothi then extended a warm welcome to the guests and participants, noting that the initiative was designed to raise awareness on substance abuse and empower students to make wise, courageous, and value-based choices.
The programme was formally inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp, symbolising enlightenment and collective resolve to combat drug addiction and social harm.
Chief Guest’s Address: A Call to Stay Drug-Free
In his keynote address, Mr Mithun H.N. warned students about the dangers of experimenting with drugs, particularly the peer pressure that often leads to such risky behaviour.
“What begins as casual experimentation can quickly spiral into addiction, and soon, one may find themselves entangled in illegal activities,” he cautioned.
He urged students to remain steadfast, focus on their studies, and avoid influences that could derail their future. He stressed the importance of self-discipline, informed choices, and resilience as the true hallmarks of youth leadership.
Cybercrime Awareness and Responsible Behaviour
Mr Arun Kumar and Mr Pradeep from Mangaluru Rural Police Station addressed another growing threat — cybercrime. They explained how online scams and phishing schemes can compromise personal data and cause severe financial and legal consequences.
They advised students to remain vigilant, avoid clicking on unknown links, and refrain from sharing personal or banking details on unverified platforms.
“A single click can expose your identity to cybercriminals,” they warned, adding that once a police case is registered under an individual’s name, it can affect their career opportunities, passports, and government job eligibility.
They encouraged students to report suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station, reinforcing that cyber safety is a shared responsibility.
Recognising Creativity and Awareness through Competitions
As part of the awareness campaign, a reel-making competition was organised to encourage creative participation among students. The Chief Guest, Mr Mithun H.N., felicitated the winners and awarded prizes, commending their initiative and creativity in spreading the message of a drug-free society.
He appreciated the students’ artistic efforts, noting that such competitions help transform awareness into action-oriented advocacy among young people.
Closing Ceremony and Vote of Thanks
The event concluded with a felicitation of all dignitaries, who were presented with mementoes as tokens of appreciation.
Ms Sheetal Fernandes, event coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Mangaluru City Police, SJEC management, faculty, and students for their cooperation and enthusiastic participation.
Empowering Youth for a Safer Tomorrow
The Anti-Drug Awareness Programme at St Joseph Engineering College successfully highlighted the importance of drug prevention, cyber awareness, and responsible citizenship. Through such collaborations between educational institutions and law enforcement, the initiative reaffirmed SJEC’s commitment to shaping socially conscious and ethically strong youth who will stand as ambassadors for a safer and drug-free society.
