Mangaluru Observes International Day Against Drug Abuse with Call for a Drug-Free Society

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 27, 2025: The Mangaluru City Police and Dakshina Kannada District Police, in collaboration with Nitte Institute of Professional Education, marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2025 with a program at Town Hall on Thursday, June 26.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. M.S. Moodithaya, Vice-Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed-to-be University), who emphasized the role of youth in combating drug addiction. "This program is significant, especially with students present here who will act as brand ambassadors to spread the message: Say no to drugs and stay away from harmful addictions. Dream big and work hard to achieve your goals. Success should be a matter of choice, not chance,” he said.

Beena Saldanha, an addiction survivor and founder of the Born Again Rehabilitation Centre, shared her personal battle with addiction, urging the youth to reject drugs. “Addiction to narcotics makes a person emotionless. For a better future, one must bear the physical and mental trauma and say no to drug consumption,” she said. Ms. Saldanha, who is now eight months pregnant, described her recovery journey and the efforts to restore her family’s honor.

Actor Roopesh Shetty, Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan, and Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police K. Arun were among the dignitaries present.

Addressing the gathering, SP K. Arun highlighted that school and college students are often the primary victims of drug abuse. He urged parents and educational institutions to avoid stigmatizing addiction and called for collective efforts to make Dakshina Kannada drug-free. He also encouraged citizens to use the Mangaluru City Police’s anonymous complaint portal to report drug-related activities.

Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan assured government support to curtail the supply of narcotics in the district and reiterated the administration’s commitment to the cause.

 

Students of the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, and Nitte performed impactful street plays that underscored the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of societal intervention.

The event concluded with an appeal for stronger community participation in the fight against drug addiction, with speakers emphasizing the importance of awareness, rehabilitation, and stringent action against the drug trade.