As part of the “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu” campaign, a special youth meet was organised by the Chennai Metro Educational and Welfare Trust to create awareness among young people about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of building a drug-free society.
The event was attended by M. Mohammed Riyas, State President of Solidarity Youth Organisation, Tamil Nadu; Assistant Commissioner of Police P. Chidambaramurugesan; Dr. J. Muhaideen; Richard Daniel, Managing Director of Rehoboth Drug Recovery Counselling Centre; and P. Indhiran, Chief Executive Officer of Nexus PR, among others.
Addressing the gathering, M. Mohammed Riyas, State President of Solidarity Youth Organisation, Tamil Nadu, said that drug abuse is not merely an individual problem but a major challenge that affects families, education, employment, the economy and society as a whole.
Explaining the impact of drug abuse at both the global and national levels with relevant data, he particularly urged young people to move away from the mindset that “trying it just once will not cause any harm.”
“Drugs may initially appear to be something a person uses, but eventually, they begin to use the person,” he cautioned.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Commissioner of Police P. Chidambaramurugesan spoke about the changes in the lifestyle, social relationships and environment of students from the 1990s compared with those of today’s generation.
He explained, with examples, the new forms of pressure and challenges faced by young people today, and how drug abuse can adversely affect their thinking, education, family relationships and future goals.
He also stated that Islam is not a religion that promotes extremism; rather, it advocates a way of life that emphasises the protection of human life, intellect, morality and social harmony. He further stressed the importance of communal harmony and social unity among people of all communities.
A question-and-answer session was subsequently held under the guidance of Dr. J. Muhaideen on the physical and psychological effects of substance abuse.
Medical explanations were provided on various issues, including the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, addiction, the physical and mental health consequences of drug use, treatment and rehabilitation.
Richard Daniel, Managing Director of Rehoboth Drug Recovery Counselling Clinic, emotionally shared his personal life experiences with the gathering.
He spoke about how he became trapped in addiction, the consequences he faced, how he overcame his addiction, and the rehabilitation services he now provides to people affected by substance abuse.
He also gave young people a message of hope, emphasising that a person struggling with addiction can return to a normal life with the right support and treatment.
A short film titled “ONE TIME” was screened at the event. The film focused on how the thought, “Just try it once… nothing will happen,” can change the course of a young person’s life.
The short film powerfully portrayed how a habit that begins with “just once” can eventually lead to a loss of control and deprive individuals of important opportunities in life.
Following the screening, all participants took a pledge to work towards building a “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu.”
At the conclusion of the event, Nazeer Ataullah, Chairman of Chennai Metro Educational and Welfare Trust, addressed the gathering.
He emphasised that the “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu” campaign should not end as merely a 15-day awareness programme, but should develop into a sustained social movement.
He identified three key groups that the campaign must reach:
1. Those who have not yet been affected by drug abuse – to protect them from falling into addiction.
2. Those currently struggling with addiction – to provide them with awareness, support and access to help.
3. Those who have recovered – to ensure that they do not relapse into addiction.
He stressed that saving one person from addiction is equivalent to saving an entire family, while protecting an entire generation from drugs means protecting the future of the nation.
He further emphasised the importance of protecting human life and social well-being and called upon everyone to contribute in whatever way they can towards creating a drug-free society.
The overall objective of the event was to go beyond simply telling young people, “Do not use drugs.” It aimed to help them understand why they should stay away from drugs, how addiction gradually takes control of a person, how to deal with peer pressure, how to support those who are already affected, and how every young person can become an ambassador for positive change in society.
“It is not enough to say ‘NO’ to drugs; we must also say ‘YES’ to saving a friend from addiction.”
The organisers stated that the awareness campaign would continue to be carried forward towards the goal of building a “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu,” while prioritising the healthy future of young people, the safety of families and the well-being of society.
Younus Sait delivered the welcome address.
The programme was coordinated by Muhammad Ajmal, Campaign Team Coordinator.
