Mangaluru: St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), in collaboration with Mangaluru City Police and Dr Thunga’s Manaswini Hospital, Arkula, organised an Anti-Drug Awareness Programme on 19 August 2025 at the Kalam Auditorium. The event aimed at sensitising third-year engineering students about the dangers of substance abuse and its growing menace in society.
Awareness against drug abuse
The programme was hosted by the Office of Dean – Student Welfare, the Discipline & Equity Group, the Student Welfare Group, and the NSS Unit of SJEC. It sought to empower students with the knowledge, courage and conviction to say no to drugs and to contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Rev. Fr Wilfred Prakash D’Souza, Director of SJEC, presided over the event while Principal Dr Rio D’Souza, Vice Principal Dr Purushotama Chippar, and Dean of Student Welfare Dr K. Jyothi were present. Coordinators Ms Olivia Sequeira, Dr Saumya Y M and Ms Prathibha K N escorted the dignitaries to the dais.
The college choir began the programme with an invocation, followed by floral welcomes and formal inauguration through the lighting of the lamp.
Police highlight youth vulnerability
The chief guest, Ms Vijayakranti, KSPS, ACP, Mangaluru City Police, motivated students to pursue dreams and goals rather than seeking artificial highs from drugs. She reminded the gathering that today’s youth are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse.
She also drew attention to rising cybercrime cases, urging students to protect personal data and remain alert against cyber slavery traps when seeking overseas jobs. She advised students to remember emergency numbers – 1930 for cyber fraud and 112 for police emergencies.
Police officials also emphasised the urgency of addressing the drug menace. Mr Arun Kumar, PSI, Mangaluru Rural Police Station, spoke about the growing varieties of drugs, which he estimated to be nearly 2,000. He encouraged students to support police efforts by reporting drug peddlers.
Mr Maruthi P, PSI, Mangaluru South Police Station, made a presentation on “Drug abuse and way forward.” He discussed synthetic drugs, stages of drug addiction, the NDPS Act 1985, and penalties for offenders. His session stressed both the societal impact of drug abuse and the legal consequences.
Medical perspective on addiction
From the medical field, Dr Survesh Kumar, Consultant Psychiatrist at Dr Thunga’s Manaswini Hospital, shared insights from his 15 years of experience treating addicts. He explained how the brain produces dopamine and why drug users crave it for short-lived happiness. He warned that children as young as 10–12 years were falling victim to substance abuse.
Counsellor Ms Shashikala, also from Manaswini Hospital, was present to highlight the importance of early counselling and community intervention.
SJEC stresses responsibility
Principal Dr Rio D’Souza reminded students that experimenting with drugs under the notion of “living life once” is a dangerous trap. He called on youth to focus on constructive opportunities available in a nation striving to become a global superpower. He later led the gathering in an anti-drug pledge.
The session concluded with the presentation of mementoes to dignitaries and a vote of thanks by Ms Olivia Sequeira, Assistant Professor in Physics and Head of DEG. The event was compered by students Swathi B and Aarshamol Babu Varghese.
Conclusion
The anti-drug awareness programme at SJEC reinforced the importance of collective responsibility among students, educators, police and medical professionals in tackling drug abuse. The event not only created awareness but also empowered students to resist peer pressure and contribute towards building a healthier and safer society.
