Port Blair, June 26: The Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) organized an Elocution Competition on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at School of Nursing, Port Blair. More than 40 participants participated in the competition. The theme for the competition was ‘Drug Abuse and its Prevention’.

The programme was organized under the leadership of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director, A&N AIDS Control Society with the support of Dr. Shiny Varghese, Principal Nursing School, Port Blair.

In her keynote address, Smti Bincy. V. Kuruvilla, Tutor, / Nodal Officer of Red Ribbon Club, School of Nursing, highlighted the growing menace of drug abuse and the urgent need for preventive measures, especially among the youth. She stressed on the importance of education and community support in combating this issue.

Students of first year were also given orientation on the activities of Red Ribbon Club (RRC) and basic information on STI, HIV & AIDS including its transmission, prevention, and treatment. Additionally, interactive sessions and discussions were conducted to address common misconceptions and myths by Dr. Jahanara Yasmeen, DD (IEC& MS), Shri Kaushik Halder, AD (IEC) and Shri Santosh Baghel, AD (Documentation).

The participants showcased their oratory skills and deep understanding of the subject, discussing the harmful effects of drugs on individuals and society. The first prize was awarded to Sara Kerketta while the second prize was awarded to Bibek Chakraborthy and third prize to Shruti Mitra.