Awareness Program under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan:

Substance use and abuse among adolescents and young adults is a serious public health concern in India. To address this issue, the Government of India launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in 2020 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The campaign emphasises awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and the development of youth-led initiatives towards a drug-free society.

In alignment with this Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal took up the initiative to conduct an awareness program at TMA Pai Polytechnic College, Manipal. Around 55 students of MPH program from PSPH, MAHE, Manipal were deputed to sensitise students about the harmful effects of substance use, its impact on health and society, and the importance of help-seeking behaviours.

Approximately 350 polytechnic students participated in the 3 sessions that were conducted on August 30, 2025, September 6, 2025 and September 13, 2025, with 85 to 100 students attending each week. Each session began with a Mentimeter activity, which helped to gauge the students’ baseline level of knowledge and attitudes regarding substance use. This was followed by a presentation that explained the meaning of substance use, the types of substances commonly abused, their health and social consequences, and preventive measures. An interactive discussion encouraged students to share their thoughts and clarified their doubts. To reinforce learning, a short quiz was administered, allowing participants to reflect on the information shared. Towards the end of the session, an awareness video was screened to provide a visual and impactful message on the dangers of substance abuse. The program concluded with all students taking the Drug-Free India Pledge, affirming their commitment to remain substance-free and to encourage their peers to follow the same. Feedback was collected after each session, which enabled the team to reflect on the effectiveness of the methods and to identify areas for improvement.

The awareness program, successfully achieved its objectives of raising awareness about substance use, encouraging healthy behaviours, and empowering students to commit to a drug-free lifestyle. In line with the vision of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. This initiative demonstrated the collective role of youth, educators, and public health professionals in building a healthier and drug-free society.