Bhubaneswar, May 28: The National Service Scheme (NSS) bureau of SOA Deemed to be University organised an anti-drug awareness and sensitization program in its campus on Monday explaining to the students the seriousness of drug addiction.

            The program on the topic ‘Addiction Among Students’ was conducted in the Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS) by the NSS bureau in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar Zonal Unit of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs.

            Dr. Nikhil Goel, Consultant Psychiatrist from Patna and a resource person for NCB, Jharkhand region, made an hour long presentation explaining to the students the various aspects of drug use, misuse, harmful use, abuse and addiction. He also spoke about different categories of drugs and their effect on various body organs. He also participated in a question-answer session with the students.

            Mr. Samiran Paul, Superintendent of Bhubaneswar Zonal Office of NCB, emphasized on the seriousness of drug addiction among students and explained the legal provisions related to drug abuse.

            Prof. Nachieketa K. Sharma, Director, International Relations and University Outreach Program of SOA, welcomed the guests while Prof. Santosh Kumar Rout, Dean of IAS, also addressed the gathering. Prof. Saroj Kumar Mohanty proposed the vote of thanks.

            Prof. Sharma announced that similar programs, organised in collaboration with NCB, will be held in all campuses of the university within the next one month.

            The initiative was part of the efforts to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse, legal mechanisms to combat narcotics and the role of youth in building a drug free society. The participants were also encouraged to report suspicious activities by dialing 1933.

            Students from Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER), SOA National Institute of Law (SNIL) and Institute of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry  (IVSAH) besides IAS, attended the program.