Hyderabad: “With a catchphrase YOLO (You Only Live Once), there are people who try to influence you into trying drugs at least once. Beware of such people and outright reject them,” said Tollywood actor Ram Pothineni, appealing to the youth to stay away from drugs.Participating in an event marking the ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, organised by the EAGLE Force on Friday, Ram, while addressing students, recalled an experience he had while abroad. “I met a man who was a drug abuser and a strong promoter of the YOLO mindset. After speaking to him, I was saddened, and it instilled fear in me. Remember, drugs are one thing that, if you try even once, it is not easy to come back from,’’ the actor said.Similarly, Indian artistic gymnast Budda Aruna Reddy said that some people become addicted to drugs in an attempt to escape stress. “Instead, one should channel their energy positively and focus on fitness, which will help in the long run. Say no to drugs and at the same time, say yes to staying fit,” Aruna Reddy said. She also spoke about how her determination helped her become a successful athlete despite undergoing six surgeries.Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka said there would be zero-tolerance for drug abuse in Telangana. He urged youth to value their lives and fulfil the aspirations of their parents. EAGLE director Sandeep Shandilya said that since 2024, the agency has caught 822 students in drug-related cases. Of them, 600 were found abusing drugs, while the remaining were allegedly selling drugs near the educational institutes. “Trying drug is the first step towards disaster,’’ Sandeep said.Meanwhile, Tollywood actress Meenakshi Chaudhary also attended the event. Stressing the importance of maintaining good health, she recited a dialogue from the movie ‘Lucky Bhaskar’, and said, “More than the alcohol or cigarette, it is money that gives the actual kick. But I would like to add that good health is even more important.”
