Moodlakatte: Stay Away from Drugs and Build a Bright Future, Advises Judge Abdul Raheem Hussain Sheikh
Kundapura / Moodlakatte: Drug abuse poses a serious threat to the future of young people, their health, and the well-being of families. Youth must develop the courage to say “No” to drugs and other harmful addictions and actively contribute to building a drug-free society, said Hon’ble Additional District and Sessions Judge of Kundapura and Chairman of the Taluk Legal Services Committee, Shri Abdul Raheem Hussain Sheikh.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Drug Awareness Programme–2026 by watering a sapling at the auditorium of Moodlakatte Institute of Technology (MITK). The programme was jointly organized by the Udupi District Police, Taluk Legal Services Authority, Kundapura, Bar Association (R.), Kundapura, Department of Prosecution, Kundapura, Moodlakatte Institute of Technology, and Kundapura Rural Police Station (Kandluru).
Addressing the gathering, Judge Abdul Raheem Hussain Sheikh described drug addiction as a “silent killer” and emphasized that protecting the younger generation from substance abuse is an urgent need of the hour.
The resource person, Shri Uday Kumar B.A., Assistant Public Prosecutor, Kundapura, delivered an informative session highlighting that drug abuse often begins due to peer pressure or the pursuit of temporary pleasure, but ultimately destroys lives. He explained the legal consequences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, including imprisonment and criminal prosecution, and how such offences can severely affect students’ education and future employment opportunities. He urged students to be aware of these consequences and never succumb to addiction under any circumstances.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri J. Srinath Rao, President of the Bar Association (R.), Kundapura, encouraged everyone to support government departments in such socially relevant initiatives and urged students to make the best use of the awareness programme.
As part of the Government of Karnataka’s anti-drug campaign, special awareness banners promoting the messages “Beda BRO” and “RISE” (Refuse, Inform, Support, Empower) were unveiled to encourage youth to reject drug abuse.
Circle Police Inspector of Kundapura Circle, Shri Santosh Kaikini, administered the anti-drug pledge to the students, encouraging them to contribute towards building a drug-free society.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. S. N. Bhat, Academic Director of IMJ Institutions, stressed that students should seek proper guidance during their formative years and play an active role in creating a cultured and responsible society.
Government Public Prosecutor Smt. Indira Naik addressed the gathering, emphasizing the responsibilities of today’s youth, while Assistant Public Prosecutor Smt. Uma Damodar Naik elaborated on the crucial role students can play in creating a society free from addiction.
Principal Dr. Ramakrishna Hegde appreciated the organizers for conducting such a meaningful awareness programme and assured that the students of the institution are committed to supporting the mission of building a drug-free society.
The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Hon’ble Senior Civil Judge of Kundapura, Shri Kumar G., and Second Additional Civil Judge and JMFC Judge, Smt. Syed Kashmir Simran. Police Sub-Inspector Shri Niranjan Gowda of Kundapura delivered the introductory remarks. A Head Constable from Shankaranarayana Police Station welcomed the gathering and proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by student Karuna Gowda and faculty member Sukshma Adiga.
Faculty members, staff, and a large number of students participated enthusiastically. The awareness programme concluded successfully with the National Anthem.
On the occasion, four short awareness videos highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention were also screened for the students.
