The department of Mental Health Nursing and the NSS unit of KAHER INS Belagavi in collaboration with The Government of Karnataka organized a live telecast of the state level awareness program on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was streamed on Tuesday, 30.06.2026 at 11am at Dr. H.B Rajashekhar Hall, KLE Centenary Convention Center, Belagavi.

The program being held at Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, Bengaluru, was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar and the Hon’ble Home Minister Priyank Kharge, Government of Karnataka. The live cast was made available through an On- line platform. The programme was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, who addressed the gathering and emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies in preventing substance abuse and combating illicit drug trafficking. During the event, the Hon'ble Chief Minister administered the Anti-Drug Pledge, affirming the commitment of participants to remain drug-free and to contribute towards building a healthy and safe society. The online programme witnessed participation from various government departments, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and members of the public across the state, thereby strengthening the message of a drug- free Karnataka. Following the live telecast, the program commenced with a welcome address by the organizing committee. The chief guest for the program was Shri Usman Avati, CPI (Circle Police Inspector), APMC, Belagavi.

The chief guest delivered an awareness lecture highlighting on:

 NDPS Cases in Karnataka (2023-26)

Prevention of Illicit trafficking of Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substances

Act ,1985

 Why and how do we fall prey to drugs (cycle of addiction)

 Physical/behavioral/psychological symptoms

 Impact on social, economic, and health areas

 Types of commonly used psychoactive substances

 What are the myths and facts about substance abuse

 Drugs scenario in India

 Precautions to be taken by College Administration

 Steps to be taken to spread awareness amongst students

 National Narcotic Helpline – MANASA -1933

 The role of families, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and

communities in combating drug abuse.

The observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 30 June 2026 was successful in promoting awareness, prevention, and community participation against substance abuse. The total beneficiaries were students from medical, physiotherapy, dental, public health and nursing discipline and faculty from department of public health and nursing.