Stella Maris College Launches Anti-Drug Abuse Club
– In support of the “Drive against Drugs” initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu
To stand in support with the Government of Tamil Nadu in their fight against the usage, consumption and manufacturing of illegal narcotic substances and in order to eradicate them from the State, the College launched the Anti-Drug Abuse Club on campus. This student-led club aims to create awareness amongst students regarding the ill effects of drugs, its prevention and also to regularly conduct activities on campus on these lines.
The Anti-Drug Abuse Club was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. Ezhilan Naganathan, a medical practitioner, social activist and a member of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Dr. Ezhilan in his address highlighted the need to attend to the ill effects caused by drugs and encouraged students to contribute for the cause of rescuing and guiding drug abusers to eventually give up drugs to ensure their rehabilitation. He requested the students to join hands to fight against the harmful effects of drugs and not to fall as prey to addiction.
Our Guest Speaker, Dr. Arsheeya Taj, Consultant Psychiatrist, MGM Healthcare, in her address spoke about addressing drug challenges in health and the humanitarian crisis. She highlighted the causes of addiction, symptoms of drug abuse, the medical effects and social impact of these drugs. She also spoke about the ways to talk to someone with addiction and ways to seek help.
The two speakers mentioned about the “Drive Against Drugs” initiative rolled out by the Government of Tamil Nadu spearheaded by our Honorable Chief Minister Thiru. M. K. Stalin for encouraging educational institutions to stand united and participate in this cause to make our State “drug-free”.
Ms. Sheryl Harshini, President of Anti-Drug Abuse Club, Stella Maris College stated, “The youth today are turning towards drugs due to peer pressure, mental health issues, depression, stress amongst other factors. To support the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Anti-Drug Abuse Club is initiated to curb drug abuse among students, to create awareness and prevention of drug abuse on our campus. The Club also aims to create a safe space for students by abiding our Club Motto – “Preventing Addiction with Awareness.”
The event was presided and supported by Dr. Sr. Rosy Joseph fmm, Principal, Stella Maris College. Following the address by the guests, the Anti-Drug Abuse Club office bearers were sworn in. To further sensitize this issue of drug abuse and the menace of addiction, the Mime and Street Theatre Club of our College delivered an act.
