The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June
26, is a global initiative led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to
strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. Upholding this
global commitment, the Department of Mental Health Nursing, Akal College of Nursing, in
collaboration with the Akal De-Addiction Centre (ADAC) and Akal Charitable Hospital,
organized a full-day awareness program to sensitize students and the local community about
the far-reaching consequences of substance abuse and the significance of prevention,
rehabilitation, and de-addiction support.
The event aimed to educate the youth, promote community involvement, and strengthen the
resolve against substance abuse, aligning with this year’s international theme: “The
Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
To commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed
every year on June 26, the Department of Mental Health Nursing, Akal College of Nursing,
Eternal University, organized two impactful awareness programs — one at Mall Road,
Shimla, and the other within the Baru Sahib campus. These events were part of a larger
initiative to educate the public and youth on the dangers of drug abuse and promote
preventive action.
The day aimed to spread awareness, strengthen community engagement, and support the
global mission of building a drug-free society through education, empathy, and proactive
outreach.
REPORT OF SHIMLA EVENT
Awareness Program at Mall Road, Shimla
In a significant community outreach effort, the 3rd Year B.Sc. Nursing students, along with
faculty members from the Department of Mental Health Nursing, organized a street level
awareness campaign in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. With due permission
from the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Shimla, the team conducted the following
activities:
Awareness Rally
Nukkad Natak
Awareness Rally
The rally was held along the busy and prominent stretch of CTU Chowk to Sher-e-Punjab,
Mall Road. Students carried posters, banners, and placards with powerful antidrug slogans,
attracting attention from locals and tourists alike. The rally aimed to engage the public, start
conversations, and encourage individuals to say no to drugs. Faculty members accompanied
the students, guiding and supporting them throughout the event.
Street Play (Nukkad Natak)
Following the rally, the students staged two performances of a Nukkad Natak: One in front of
Sher-e-Punjab, a central point on Mall Road Another in the Lower Bazaar area, a high-
footfall market space The play effectively depicted: The devastating impact of drug addiction
on youth and families The early warning signs and factors leading to substance abuse The
importance of seeking timely support, including counseling and rehabilitation Positive
messages about prevention and societal responsibility.
REPORT OF BARU SAHIB EVENT
The morning session commenced with an Awareness Rally that brought together students and
faculty across multiple educational institutions. The event witnessed active participation from
the students of Akal College of Nursing, Akal College of Education, and Akal Model School.
The vibrant and impactful rally was flagged off at the university campus by esteemed
dignitaries:
Dr. Manmohan Singh Atwal, Former Vice Chancellor, Eternal University
Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Current Vice Chancellor, Eternal University
Prof. T.S. Banipal, Dean Academics
They were joined by the entire faculty team of Akal College of Nursing, showcasing
solidarity in the fight against drug abuse. The rally progressed through the campus and
nearby community areas, with students holding informative placards, banners, and chanting
powerful slogans such as “Say No to Drugs”, “Choose Life, Not Drugs”, and “Your Future
Matters”. The goal was to raise awareness not only within the academic community but also
among the local public, promoting vigilance, empathy, and action. Following the rally, an
emotionally stirring Nukkad Natak (street play) was performed by the B.Sc. Nursing 1st Year
students.
The play creatively depicted:
The vulnerabilities that lead to drug abuse, including peer pressure, stress, and curiosity The
adverse physical, mental, and social effects of substance dependence The role of family,
friends, and society in prevention and support Available treatment modalities and the
importance of early intervention The dramatization effectively conveyed the urgent need to
address the menace of drug abuse through community engagement, education, and
compassion.
In the evening, a special event was organized at the IB Amphitheatre, attended by students,
faculty, and community members. The Guest of Honour for the event was Col. P.P.S. Anand.
The program commenced with a soulful Shabad by students from the Akal College of Divine
Music and Spiritualism, setting a serene and reflective tone.
This was followed by a series of enlightening talks: Dr. Jasjit Singh Sodhi, In-house
Psychiatrist, spoke on the psychological impact of drug abuse and the importance of mental
health support
This was followed by a series of enlightening talks: Ms. Neetu Chaudhary, Counselor at
Akal De-Addiction Centre, shared valuable insights on counselling strategies and community
involvement in addiction recovery.
