Collector Sikta Patnaik, SP Yogesh Gautam Join Anti-Drug Awareness Drive on International Drug Prevention Day in Narayanpet
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Collector Sikta Patnaik, SP Yogesh Gautam Join Anti-Drug Awareness Drive on International Drug Prevention Day in Narayanpet
Narayanpet Drug-Free Message Boosted with Public Selfie on International Drug Prevention Day
Narayanpet, Telangana – In a symbolic and spirited event held on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, top district officials in Narayanpet came together to promote a “Narayanpet Drug-Free Message” to the public.
District Collector Sikta Patnaik, District Superintendent of Police Yogesh Gautam, and Additional Collector Sanchit Gangwar took a proactive step toward public engagement by clicking a selfie at the YAT (Youth Against Trafficking) Drug Awareness Board, installed at Ambedkar Chowrasta, the heart of the district headquarters.
A Selfie with a Message
The selfie, which has gone viral on local social media, was not just a photo opportunity — it was a strong visual message of solidarity and commitment from the district leadership toward building a drug-free society.
Speaking on the occasion, Collector Sikta Patnaik said, “Today’s youth are the future of our country. We want them to stay healthy, focused, and free from the menace of drugs. This simple selfie is a powerful call to action.”
YAT Board Becomes a Public Symbol
The YAT Drug Board at Ambedkar Chowrasta was set up as a part of a week-long drug awareness campaign spearheaded by district authorities. The board invited passers-by to take selfies, post anti-drug pledges, and spread the message through social platforms using the hashtag #NarayanpetDrugFree.
Dozens of students, teachers, and common citizens stopped by the board to show their support, many of them tagging the district administration in their social media posts.
Police and Public Hand-in-Hand
SP Yogesh Gautam emphasized the importance of community policing and citizen vigilance in the fight against drugs. “We encourage people to report any suspicious activity through Dial 100 or our dedicated local helplines. The fight against drugs is not limited to law enforcement—it’s a community effort,” he stated.
He further added that the police department has strengthened surveillance around schools, hostels, and border check-posts, and is working closely with educational institutions to prevent the entry of narcotics into the district
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Student and NGO Participation
The day also saw rallies, street plays, and signature campaigns conducted in association with local youth clubs, schoolchildren, and non-governmental organizations. These activities focused on raising awareness about the psychological, legal, and social consequences of drug use, especially among teenagers.
One student from a local government school who participated in the selfie campaign said, “Seeing our Collector and SP take part makes us feel that this is everyone’s fight. We are proud to be part of this.
A Model for People-Centric Campaigns
Additional Collector Sanchit Gangwar, who also participated in the event, called the selfie campaign a simple yet effective model to communicate with the youth. “Young people today respond more to visuals and trends. By joining them in their language — selfies, hashtags, and social media — we are strengthening the anti-drug message,” he said.
Broader Vision: A Drug-Free Telangana
This initiative in Narayanpet aligns with the Telangana Government’s vision of a drug-free state, where district-level administrations are encouraged to take innovative steps to fight narcotics and raise awareness.
Officials confirmed that similar YAT boards will be set up in rural mandals and schools, accompanied by interactive sessions with healthcare experts and counselors.
Closing Note
As the world observed International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Narayanpet’s selfie campaign became a powerful example of community-led awareness. The image of top officials united in a single frame sent a clear message — the fight against drugs begins with unity, action, and awareness.
With such public-facing and people-friendly campaigns, Narayanpet’s Drug-Free Message is not just a slogan, but a movement gaining momentum day by day.
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