Kalyan: Students of Nutan Hindi Vidyalaya in Kolsewadi, Kalyan, pledged to support a drug-free India during an awareness programme organised under the Drug-Free India Campaign.

The programme was jointly organised by the Thane Zilla Parishad Social Welfare Department, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation’s Education Department and the Maharashtra State Drug Control Board, under the guidance of Thane Zilla Parishad Social Welfare Officer Dr Ujjwala Sapkale.

Milind Patil, Thane District Organiser of the Drug Control Board, addressed students on the theme “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life.”

Highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco and tobacco products, Patil said addiction was contributing to serious health problems, including cancer. He warned that substance abuse among young people could adversely affect both their health and education.

He urged students to stay away from addictive substances and encouraged them to guide others towards a healthy lifestyle. He also called on citizens to remain vigilant and prevent the sale and use of drugs in their neighbourhoods.

School Principal Anuprita Patwardhan said awareness campaigns were essential to building an environment free from addiction. Emphasising the value of life, she encouraged everyone to give up addictive habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

The programme was attended by Principal Patwardhan, teachers Annu Pandey and Akshat Tiwari, along with 175 students.

The event concluded with students taking an anti-drug pledge and committing themselves to the cause of a drug-free India.