Amravati: International cricketer and Amravati’s own Jitesh Sharma on Friday urged youngsters to stay away from drugs and get addicted to chasing their dreams instead.Sharma, a product of the city’s Sant Gajanan Maharaj Cricket Academy, was speaking as chief guest at the teaser launch of ‘Not Normal’, a short film produced under ‘Operation Kavach’, the anti-drug drive of Amravati Rural Police, on Saturday.Calling drug abuse a ‘slow poison’ that destroys society, he said it was painful to see some of his childhood friends falling prey to the addiction. He credited his parents for keeping him grounded. “One can be addicted to devotion; such addictions lead to progress. But drug addiction destroys you permanently,” he said.Advising youth against shortcuts, he said, “Shortcuts lead to a pit; hard work leads to success.”Sharing his journey from Amravati to Team India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sharma said a small-town origin is never a barrier. Citing MS Dhoni’s example, he said honest hard work and staying true to oneself are the key to achieving big dreams.The 40-minute film ‘Not Normal’, featuring local artistes, aims to bust the myth among school and college students that substance abuse is ‘normal’. It will be screened for students across the district.SP Niketan Kadam said influencers must join the awareness drive. Addl SP Datta Totewad, ASP Ishani Anand, and senior officers were present.
