CHENNAI:The National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Madras School of Social Work, in collaboration with the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) in Gwalior, organized a program to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at the TAG Auditorium, MSSW.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. A. Venkadesh Babu, I.R.S., Deputy Commissioner of GST and Central Excise, as the chief guest. To promote awareness of drugs, a street play was performed near the Wisdom Tree by NSS volunteers from MSSW. This activity aimed to further emphasize the harmful effects of drugs on individuals and society. Afterward, a pledge-taking ceremony was conducted, where participants made a commitment to abstain from drug abuse and support efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking.
MSSW honored Dr. A. Venkadesh Babu and his team at the TAG Auditorium, where they were felicitated.Dr.S.Raja Samuel, Principal, MSSW delivered the Presidential Address and Mr. S. Xavier Vivek Jerry , Asst. Professor and Progam Officer,National Service Scheme (NSS) co-ordinated the program.
Additionally, a poster and slogan competition was held on the theme “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.” Dr. A. Venkadesh Babu presented certificates and prizes to the competition winners on stage. In his chief guest address, he discussed various types of drugs and the reasons why many people tend to seek them. He elaborated on the production of drugs such as opium and cocaine. Opium, a depressant drug derived from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.), is primarily used as a painkiller and primarily affects the central nervous system. The opium alkaloid obtained from its flowers contains morphine, which is combined with acetic anhydride to produce heroin.
Dr. A. Venkadesh Babu went on to discuss prescription drugs or pharmaceutical drugs (Rx), emphasizing that they should only be prescribed by certified healthcare professionals. Overuse of such prescription drugs can lead to toxicity and addiction. Drugs like Ritalin and Adderall are stimulant medications used in smaller doses for children with ADHD. However, if taken in larger doses, they can lead to addiction and, ultimately, death. Dr. A. Venkadesh Babu strongly emphasized the importance of including drug-related content and information about its harmful effects on the body from the 8th grade onwards. He stated, “Prevention is better than cure.”
Following the address, a question-and-answer session was held, allowing NSS volunteers to ask Dr. A. Venkadesh Babu questions related to the topic. Mr. Legy Thomas, Superintendent of the Central Narcotics Bureau, delivered the vote of thanks, and the program concluded with the National Anthem.
