Young people face growing exposure to alcohol and other substance-related risks, making awareness, prevention and informed decision-making important components of a healthy campus environment. Recognising the need to engage directly with university students, the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Christ College, Mysuru, affiliated with the University of Mysore, in collaboration with Consumer VOICE and in partnership with the Foundation for Scientific and Health Information (FSHI), organised a seminar on “Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms among Youth: Awareness, Prevention, and Policy Dialogue Initiative” on 9 July 2026.

The programme aimed to sensitise young people to the consequences associated with irresponsible alcohol consumption, with particular emphasis on preventing drinking and driving and understanding the financial, health and social consequences of harmful use. The initiative also sought to encourage a broader culture of “Zero Irresponsible Consumption” through youth engagement, institutional collaboration and public awareness.

Building Awareness among Young People

The seminar focused on equipping students with factual information and practical perspectives on alcohol-related risks. The objectives included:

• Increasing awareness of the health and social harms associated with alcohol consumption.
• Encouraging substance-free academic environments.
• Improving students’ understanding of alcohol-related health, mental health, legal and road-safety concerns.
• Supporting young people in making informed and responsible lifestyle choices.
• Reinforcing the importance of preventing irresponsible alcohol consumption, particularly drinking and driving.

Participants were also provided with IEC material, including the booklet “Embrace the Culture of Zero Irresponsible Drinking” in English and Kannada, to support continued awareness beyond the seminar.

Bringing Consumer Awareness and Youth Engagement Together

The programme opened with an introduction to the campaign by Mr Hemant Upadhyay, Advisor, Consumer VOICE, who highlighted the importance of consumer awareness and youth mobilisation in addressing alcohol-related harms.

Mr S. J. Chander, Director, FSHI, spoke about the importance of creating educational environments that are free from substance-related risks and emphasised the role of institutions in prevention and awareness.

The event was formally inaugurated by Fr. Dr Augusty P., who underscored the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, experts and civil society organisations in creating a supportive environment for young people.

A pre-event survey, conducted by student representatives and FSHI, was also undertaken to understand participants’ baseline awareness before the technical sessions.

Understanding the Health Consequences of Alcohol

In the technical session on the clinical realities of alcohol consumption, Dr Prashantha, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Mysore Medical College, discussed the effects of alcohol on the body and addressed common misconceptions.

He explained that alcohol contains ethanol and acts as a central nervous system depressant, affecting cognitive control and behaviour. The session also covered how alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolised by the body.

The discussion highlighted the potential health consequences associated with excessive and prolonged alcohol use, including liver disease, gastritis, pancreatitis, cardiovascular complications, neurological problems and certain cancers.

The session helped students understand that alcohol-related harm extends beyond immediate intoxication and can affect multiple aspects of physical health over time.

Drinking and Driving: A Preventable Road-Safety Risk

Road safety was a key focus of the seminar. Mr Sidesha, Sub-Inspector, Mysore City Traffic Police, delivered a presentation titled “The Real Cost of Drinking & Driving”.

Using national road-safety data, he highlighted the significant loss of life on Indian roads and the disproportionate impact of road crashes on young and working-age populations. The session stressed that driving after drinking creates risks not only for the driver but also for passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

Students were also informed about enforcement practices in Mysuru, including weekend checkpoint operations in areas such as Vijayanagar, Kuvempunagar, Hebbal and the ring road.

The presentation further covered India’s legal provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcohol, including the prescribed blood alcohol concentration limit and penalties under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The central message was clear: drinking and driving is a preventable road-safety risk, and choosing not to drive after drinking protects lives.

Understanding the Psychological and Social Dimensions

Alcohol-related harm can also have significant psychological and social dimensions. Mrs Anuradha K., Clinical Psychologist, discussed the progression of problematic alcohol use and the range of environmental and behavioural factors that can contribute to dependency.

The session explored factors such as peer pressure, isolation, environmental influences and low frustration tolerance, while explaining how patterns of alcohol use can develop over time.

The discussion also introduced students to the seriousness of alcohol withdrawal and highlighted the importance of professional support where dependence is present.

Mrs Anuradha also discussed group therapy as one therapeutic approach, explaining how a confidential and supportive group environment can help individuals recognise maladaptive behaviours, develop coping mechanisms and rebuild self-esteem.

The emphasis was on understanding alcohol-related problems as issues that require appropriate support, counselling and care rather than stigma alone.

The Mysuru seminar brought together students, educators, health professionals, law-enforcement representatives and civil society organisations around a shared objective: reducing alcohol-related harms among young people.

For university students, awareness is an important first step. Understanding the health consequences of alcohol, recognising the risks of drinking and driving, knowing the legal framework and being aware of available support can help young people make informed decisions.

The initiative reinforces the importance of moving from awareness to action—encouraging responsible choices, safer roads, supportive campuses and a culture of zero irresponsible consumption.

Consumer VOICE in partnership with Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI) and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of KLE Society’s P. C. Jabin Science College (Autonomous), Hubballi, hosted a one-day awareness initiative, “Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm among University Students: Awareness, Prevention, and Policy Dialogue Initiative,” on 23 July 2026.

The programme brought together students, faculty members, public health experts, law-enforcement officials and civil society representatives to promote informed decision-making and greater awareness of the health, legal and road-safety risks associated with alcohol use.

Recognising universities as important spaces for shaping lifelong health behaviours and attitudes, the initiative addressed alcohol-related harm through four interconnected areas: public health awareness, behavioural empowerment, legal literacy and road safety. It also encouraged institutional dialogue on preventing irresponsible drinking and promoting safer choices among young adults.

The programme was supported by Consumer VOICE and the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI), with experts from public health, law enforcement, mental health and child welfare contributing to the discussions.

Building awareness through informed choices

The initiative sought to provide students with evidence-based information about the effects of alcohol on physical and mental well-being, while encouraging critical thinking and responsible decision-making.

Sessions explored how young adults may encounter alcohol through peer influence, social situations, academic stress or emotional pressures. Rather than focusing only on the risks, the programme emphasised practical ways of managing stress, resisting peer pressure, setting personal boundaries and seeking support when needed.

The discussions also highlighted that alcohol-related harm extends beyond individual health to families, relationships, academic life and community safety.

Strengthening collaboration for prevention

Dr. Smt. Shweta Sabannavar welcomed the dignitaries, guest experts, faculty members and student delegates. In her address, she emphasised the proactive role of educational institutions in safeguarding young people’s health and well-being, noting that academic development must go hand in hand with physical and emotional well-being.

Mr. Hemant Upadhyay, Senior Advisor, Consumer VOICE, outlined the rationale for the initiative and stressed that alcohol-related harm among young people is a multifaceted issue requiring coordinated action. He highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration among educational institutions, public health professionals, law-enforcement agencies and civil society organisations.

Mr. S. J. Chander, CEO, Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI), presented an overview of the campaign and emphasised three interconnected areas for effective prevention: early education, peer and community engagement, and evidence-based approaches to reducing exposure to alcohol-related risks among young people.

Dr. Smt. Sandhya R. Kulkarni delivered the keynote address, emphasising that preventive awareness needs to begin early and be reinforced through supportive environments involving families, educators, healthcare professionals and community leaders. She encouraged students to become informed and responsible voices within their peer groups and communities.

Santani Dandin, Director, DANDIN TRUST, Dharwad, also graced the inaugural session and extended institutional support to the initiative. The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Medha Deshpande.

In his session, “Understanding Alcohol Use: Facts, Myths, and Health Risks,” Dr. Gopal Dabade addressed common misconceptions surrounding alcohol consumption, including perceptions about social drinking, stress relief and tolerance.

He explained how alcohol is metabolised by the body and discussed its potential effects on vital organs and systems, including the liver, cardiovascular system and central nervous system. The session also examined possible effects on cognitive functioning, emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.

Dr. Dabade highlighted that alcohol-related problems can affect academic performance, family relationships and social well-being. He also encouraged students to adopt healthier ways of managing stress, including sports, creative activities, mindfulness and positive peer engagement.

The discussion reinforced the importance of recognising problematic alcohol use as a public-health concern for which prevention, early intervention and appropriate support are important.

The session “Alcohol and Road Safety: The Cost of Drinking and Driving” focused on the serious road-safety consequences of driving after consuming alcohol.  Drawing on his experience in traffic management, Shri Veeresh Bellary explained how alcohol can impair reaction time, judgement, spatial awareness, night vision and risk perception. These impairments can significantly increase the danger of crashes involving drivers, passengers and other road users.

He also discussed the legal consequences of driving under the influence, including penalties under applicable motor-vehicle laws.

The session emphasised that responsible road behaviour is a shared civic responsibility. Students were encouraged to understand the risks associated with drinking and driving and to make arrangements that prevent themselves or others from driving after consuming alcohol.

Ms. Noorjahan Killedar addressed “Legal Aspects: Age at Alcohol Use, Drunk Driving Laws, and Penalties.” She explained the legal framework applicable to alcohol consumption, including age-related provisions, responsibilities of vendors and the legal consequences associated with violations. The session also helped students understand the broader responsibilities that accompany alcohol use and road safety. 

She discussed relevant provisions concerning children and young people, including aspects of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and highlighted the role of family environments and parental behaviour in shaping young people’s choices.

Moderated by Dr. Ashok Kori, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (DIMHANS), the discussion explored some of the situations that can influence substance experimentation and risky behaviour among students.

Peer pressure, academic stress, isolation and emotional distress emerged as important areas of discussion. Dr. Kori encouraged students to develop practical strategies for setting boundaries, strengthening emotional resilience and building supportive peer networks.

The session also addressed the importance of seeking professional help when required and reducing the stigma associated with counselling and mental-health support.

During the open Q&A, students actively engaged with the experts, asking questions about legal provisions, family dynamics, supporting friends who may be experiencing alcohol-related problems and healthier ways of managing stress.