25 December 2025, Mangaluru: Swastika National Business School, Mangaluru, through its NSS Unit and Student Forum, in association with Parivarthana Trust, Bengaluru, organized the Drug-Free Karnataka Abhiyana Rath Yatra at its campus with the objective of creating awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse among students and society at large.
The programme was inaugurated by CA Shantaram Shetty, Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, Dakshina Kannada Branch, who formally launched the Rath Yatra and delivered the inaugural address. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility and sustained efforts to build a drug-free society.
Dr. Murlee Mohan Choontharu, Executive Committee Member, Indian Red Cross Society, Bengaluru, addressed the gathering and spoke about the severe social, psychological, and health consequences of drug addiction, particularly among youth. He urged students to stay vigilant and make informed life choices.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. Raghavendra Holla, Chairman, Swastika National Business School, highlighted the crucial role of educational institutions in nurturing disciplined, responsible, and socially conscious citizens. He stressed that awareness and value-based education are key to preventing substance abuse.
As a symbolic gesture of commitment to the cause, students offered flowers near the Drug-Free Karnataka Rath and Bharat Mata, expressing their resolve to stand against drug abuse and promote a healthy, addiction-free society.A pledge against drug abuse was administered by Dr. Malini N. Hebbar, Principal, Swastika National Business School, encouraging students to adopt a drug-free lifestyle and act as ambassadors of awareness in their communities.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Vidyalaxmi P. Shetty, NSS Coordinator, Swastika National Business School, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Hemanth, Programme Coordinator. The entire event was efficiently compered by Mr. Muliya Sathwik, President, Student Forum, Swastika National Business School.
The Rath Yatra and the associated awareness activities left a strong impact on the participants, reinforcing the collective commitment towards building a Drug-Free Karnataka.
