Sri Vijaya Puram: The Directorate of Education (Science Wing) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is set to observe Anti-Drug Abuse Week from June 23 to 28, 2025, with a week-long series of competitions, interactive sessions, and community engagement events aimed at spreading awareness about the ill effects of drug use, especially among schoolchildren.
The programme is focused on educating students from Class VI to XII through creative and participatory activities, with an overarching goal of cultivating a drug-free lifestyle mindset among youth. Hosted at the State Library in Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, the initiative features a combination of motivational storytelling, interactive police sessions, creative contests, and public demonstrations.
The opening day, June 23, will begin with a session conducted by the Andaman & Nicobar Police on key topics such as the POCSO Act, trafficking, narcotics, and cybercrime. This will be followed by a motivational storytelling segment aimed at encouraging students to resist peer pressure and make healthier life choices.
To reinforce these messages through experiential learning, Class VI to VIII students will participate in a “Refuse and Accepting Game,” while older students from Class IX to XII will engage in a discussion on healthy habits and living a drug-free life. Organisers will also announce rules for digital content competitions, such as reel and meme-making on anti-drug themes.
The second day (June 24) will focus on engaging students through digital media and games. Sessions will include anti-drug-themed video games, followed by a special game competition for middle school students. Day three (June 25) will tap into students’ artistic creativity, featuring poster-making contests, T-shirt designing, and a Value Tree Wall activity, where students contribute thoughts on ethics, choices, and personal growth.
On June 26, marking the National Day Against Drug Abuse, a public rally will be held under the theme “Andhakaar Se Prakash Tak” (From Darkness to Light). Students will march from the National Memorial Cellular Jail to the State Library to demonstrate their stand against drug abuse. The day will also feature a “Brain Maze” competition on decision-making, inspirational stories of individuals who overcame addiction, and an interactive session with police titled “Voices of Children.”
The fifth day (June 27) will spotlight digital expression, with submission and presentation of reels and memes created by the students. The day will also host a rapping competition focused on anti-drug messages, followed by a short film-making session that allows students to convey awareness through visual storytelling.
The week concludes on June 28 with a short documentary screening, followed by a valedictory session and prize distribution to recognize outstanding participants. The structured schedule ensures that every day of the week contributes meaningfully to the overarching goal of promoting a drug-free environment.
The campaign is designed not just as an awareness event but as a behavioural intervention strategy. By combining education, art, digital media, and public participation, the Directorate aims to build resilience and informed decision-making capabilities among young people. The involvement of the police and education departments reinforces the collaborative nature of the effort.
Organisers also hope to use this momentum to push for sustained awareness activities in schools and local communities throughout the year. The long-term goal is to create peer networks of awareness ambassadors among students who can continue to promote positive choices in their social circles.
