NCB Leads a Landmark Multi-Sector Initiative to Build a Healthier, Drug-Free Generation in partnership with CBSE, Indian Dental Association (Tamil Nadu) and Colgate-Palmolive as a program sponsor along with Vimi Magic as an execution partner. 3,08,106 students screened by IDA Tamil Nadu and dental colleges across 547 CBSE schools in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in just 10 days. World Records Union recognises the initiative as the “Largest Multi-Location Oral Screening Programme”.
In this initiative Dr.K.Yogarajan – CDH Chairman – IDA, Dr.K.P.Senthamarai Kannan – State Secretary – IDA, Dr. A.P.Maheshwar, IDA State President, P. Aravindhan, IPS, Additional Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai, Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director – ESG & Communications, Colgate-Palmolive India, Christopher Taylor Craft, Official Records Manager, World Records Union participated & graced the occasion.
In a landmark demonstration of preventive action, multi-sectoral convergence and collective responsibility towards protecting the next generation from substance abuse, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in collaboration with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and with support from IDA (TN Branch), Colgate-Palmolive India and Vimi Magic, spearheaded a massive school-based oral health and awareness initiative across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The initiative is part of the larger vision of the Government of India to strengthen the fight against drug abuse through a comprehensive approach that goes beyond enforcement and places equal emphasis on prevention, awareness and demand reduction.
A three-year Vision Document for Narcotics Control was launched by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah, on June 26, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In line with this vision, NCB has been undertaking coordinated initiatives that engage communities and institutions at the grassroots level, particularly focusing on children and young people, the future of the nation.
As part of these efforts, NCB Chennai initiated a large-scale dental screening programme across CBSE-affiliated schools in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The programme combined dental screening, preventive healthcare, oral health education and early awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and substance abuse, creating an innovative platform to reach children directly within the school environment.
Over 10 designated screening days from August 17 to 28, 2026, dental professionals from the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Tamil Nadu State Branch, and 29 participating dental colleges screened an unprecedented 3,08,106 students across 547 CBSE-affiliated schools spanning 40 districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Colgate-Palmolive, as program sponsor, supported the initiative by providing Colgate oral care kits, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, thereby extending the programme beyond screening to encourage sustained oral hygiene practices among school children. Colgate-Palmolive India, as the Programme Sponsor, supported the initiative by providing Colgate oral care kits, including toothbrushes and toothpaste. This support helped extend the programme beyond screening by enabling participating students to continue practising good oral hygiene and reinforcing the importance of preventive oral care.
The initiative witnessed extensive participation from the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Tamil Nadu State Branch, with 52 IDA branches supporting the programme across 16 zones, alongside the participating dental colleges and dental professionals. Vimi Magic provided operational support and coordination, contributing to the large-scale execution of the initiative across multiple locations.
The scale and coordinated execution of the initiative have now earned official recognition from the World Records Union (WRU), which has declared it the “Largest Multi-Location Oral Screening Programme.”
The achievement represents far more than a world record. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when different sectors unite behind a common national objective to protect children today and build a healthier, safer and drug-free generation for tomorrow.
The programme brought together an extensive network of stakeholders, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), CBSE, CBSE-affiliated schools, school managements, principals and teachers, IDA dental professionals, dental colleges, volunteers and supporting teams, with Colgate-Palmolive as the Programme Sponsor and Vimi Magic providing operational support and coordination.
The organisers expressed their appreciation to all participating CBSE schools, school managements, principals, teachers, dental professionals, dental colleges, volunteers, coordinators and supporting teams, whose commitment and cooperation made the initiative possible and contributed to the successful completion of the World Record verification process.
The initiative stands as a strong testament to the NCB’s commitment to preventive and demand-reduction strategies and to investing in the health, awareness and well-being of the country’s youth, while highlighting the value of partnerships between public institutions, healthcare professionals, educational institutions and industry in advancing preventive healthcare and awareness among children.
3,08,106 students. 547 schools. 40 districts. 10 days. One collective mission: a healthier and drug-free generation.
