Mysuru: Addiction to drugs can destroy the future of young people, said senior civil judge Nagaraj Siddappa Ankasadoddi. Speaking after inaugurating an awareness programme on the ill effects of alcohol and narcotics at Gnanodaya PU College in Mysuru on Thursday, Ankasadoddi, who is also member-secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), urged students to stay vigilant and lead meaningful lives.The programme was organised to mark the birth anniversary of Mahanta Shivayogi and was jointly hosted by the district administration, DLSA, the information department and other agencies.He said youth are the nation’s greatest asset and should not fall prey to peer pressure or addictions such as smoking, alcohol and drugs. He also cautioned that parents could face penalties if minors drive without a licence and noted that drug trafficking is a serious offence often facilitated through dark websites.Referring to the recent seizure of narcotics worth Rs 380 crore in Mysuru, he urged citizens to report drug-related activities anonymously through the 1933 helpline.Other speakers, including Information department deputy director Vinod Chandra, college principal K Padma and psychiatrist Manjushree, highlighted the growing menace of substance abuse, stating that over 1.5 crore youth in India are affected by addiction. They called for stronger preventive measures under the Beda Bro Drugs campaign.District child protection officer Asha P also cautioned against child marriage, noting that offenders can face up to two years in prison under the Pocso Act and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. She urged people to report such cases through childline 1098.
