Hyderabad rally: 5,000 students march against drugs; human chain formed, officials urge a drug-free future
HYDERABAD : More than 5,000 students from 100 educational institutions across Hyderabad took a collective stand against drug abuse on Wednesday, marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Organised by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau and the department for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and transgender persons, the event included awareness rally followed by a human chain formation at Necklace Road.
Chanting slogans like “say no to drugs”, students aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug use.
“We (students) are actually glad that we are being exposed to such awareness,” said T Chandrika, a class 7 student. “We understood the drugs are a menace, not something cool as shown in the movies.
We’re encouraged to report abuse if we see it.” TGANB director Sandeep Shandilya emphasised Telangana’s tough stance. “At a time when many nations are legalising drugs, Telangana is fighting back. We cannot afford to be passive. I urge everyone to help make the state drug-free.”
CV Anand, Hyderabad commissioner of police, shared a personal reflection: “In school, some of my friends offered cigarettes, but I have always said no. That one choice matters. Peer pressure is real, but stand your ground. Post-Covid, we have seen drug abuse even in the families of our officers.
Children are getting involved. The CM is clear, not even a gram of drugs should enter our state.” “If you know someone using drugs, call 1908. Don’t stay silent. Choose discipline, stay drug-free and help others do the same,” said Anita Ramachandran, secretary of women and child development.
Organised by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau and the department for the empowerment of persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and transgender persons, the event included awareness rally followed by a human chain formation at Necklace Road.
Chanting slogans like “say no to drugs”, students aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug use.
“We (students) are actually glad that we are being exposed to such awareness,” said T Chandrika, a class 7 student. “We understood the drugs are a menace, not something cool as shown in the movies.
We’re encouraged to report abuse if we see it.” TGANB director Sandeep Shandilya emphasised Telangana’s tough stance. “At a time when many nations are legalising drugs, Telangana is fighting back. We cannot afford to be passive. I urge everyone to help make the state drug-free.”
CV Anand, Hyderabad commissioner of police, shared a personal reflection: “In school, some of my friends offered cigarettes, but I have always said no. That one choice matters. Peer pressure is real, but stand your ground. Post-Covid, we have seen drug abuse even in the families of our officers.
Children are getting involved. The CM is clear, not even a gram of drugs should enter our state.” “If you know someone using drugs, call 1908. Don’t stay silent. Choose discipline, stay drug-free and help others do the same,” said Anita Ramachandran, secretary of women and child development.
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