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Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Symbiosis launches anti-drug campaign
Marking the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, Symbiosis International University (SIU) on Tuesday, June 24, launched a year-long anti-drug initiative 'VIHAAN', focused on promoting a healthy, substance-free campus environment. Dr Rajiv Yeravdekar outlines the objectives of VIHAAN, Symbiosis International University's anti-drug wellness campaign. (HT) The campaign was officially inaugurated by Rajiv Yeravdekar, dean, faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, who outlined the campaign's multi-dimensional approach. 'Students often respond better to their peers, which is why we are building a strong student-led support network, backed by counsellors, psychiatrists, and health coaches,' Yeravdekar said. The initiative includes a series of awareness-building activities such as walkathons, street plays and seminars, a concept where students connect through physical activities like running, swimming, or cycling. These efforts aim to keep students actively engaged and reduce susceptibility to boredom, peer pressure, and the temptation to use substances. The campaign's first major event, a university-wide anti-tobacco walkathon, is scheduled for the first week of July. 'The initiative is open to all Symbiosis students. While our priority is our university community, we also receive calls from outside, which is encouraging,' Yeravdekar added. Girija Mahale, head of the Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Well-being (SCEW), emphasised the campaign's holistic nature. 'VIHAAN combines science, empathy, and community action. It's about creating safe spaces where young people don't just resist drugs, they rediscover purpose, supported by trained professionals,' she said.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Symbiosis International University launches year-long anti-drug campaign 'VIHAAN'
Pune: Prof. Dr. Rajiv Yeravdekar, provost, faculty of medical & health sciences, Symbiosis International University, on Tuesday launched VIHAAN, an year-long campaign to be implemented by the university to tackle the problem of substance abuse. He highlighted the focus areas of action of VIHAAN based on prevention, reduction in substance consumption, promoting emotional well being, infusing sustainable behavior change, capacity building initiatives undertaken at SIU and most importantly steps to engage the community in substance control activities through peer support, educational outreach, and local media. Dr Yeravdekar outlined the strategies of the yearlong campaign through deployment of effective IEC campaigns, peer support & community participation, Role of Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing (SCEW), and most importantly engagement of technology & social media to target Gen Z. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune This initiative is not a one-time event, but a long-term investment in building clarity, strength, and purpose among our students and communities, said Dr. Yeravdekar. "We're empowering young people to stay drug-free and focused on their goals—with SIU providing a supportive safety net every step of the way," he added. The movement aligns with the concerns outlined in UNODC World Drug Report 2024, which warns of growing influence of synthetic drugs and the need for early, community-based interventions. Dr. Girija Mahale, head of SCEW, said, "This campaign combines science, empathy, and community action. It's about creating safe spaces where youth don't just resist drugs—they rediscover purpose, supported by trained professionals and peers."
