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by | Sep 19, 2026 | media

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India Today discussion on hospital consumable pricing

INDIA TODAY · 16 September 2026

Hospital Bill Markups: Consumable Pricing

Consumer VOICE COO Abhijeet Bose joins Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan to discuss hospital consumable costs and pricing transparency.

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Empowering University Students in Gorakhpur to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms

Empowering University Students in Gorakhpur to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms

by | Sep 14, 2026 | zero-irresponsible-drinking

Empowering University Students in Gorakhpur to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms

A comprehensive youth awareness workshop on “Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms Among Youth – Awareness and Protection among University Students” was organized on 21 August 2026 at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University (DDU), Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, by Consumer VOICE with the support from Consumer Guild, Lucknow, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University.

The workshop brought together university faculty, students, police personnel, legal experts, psychologists, road-safety professionals and representatives of civil society to sensitize young people about the health, psychological, social, legal and road-safety risks associated with irresponsible alcohol consumption, binge drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol. The programme focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, responsible decision-making, mental well-being, road safety, legal awareness and greater social responsibility among university students. 

The programme was presided over by Prof. Chandrashekhar, Dean and Head of the concerned Department, Faculty of Law, DDU Gorakhpur University.

Ms. Nilanjana Bose from Consumer VOICE contributed to the awareness programme, highlighting the importance of sustained consumer and youth awareness regarding alcohol-related harms, responsible choices, and public safety. She emphasized on the importance of responsible drinking and the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Through her presentation she also spoke about ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and shared data on alcohol consumption in the state of UP.

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Prof. Anubhuti Dubey, Dean, Student Welfare and Professor of Psychology, highlighted the psychological and behavioural dimensions of excessive alcohol consumption and its possible impact on emotional well-being, academic performance, relationships, decision-making and social functioning. She encouraged students to adopt healthy ways of managing stress through sports, physical exercise, yoga, creative activities, hobbies and constructive social engagement.

Shri Manoj Rai, Traffic Inspector, sensitised students about road safety and the serious risks associated with driving after consuming alcohol. He explained that alcohol impairs judgement, concentration, coordination and reaction time and substantially increases the possibility of road crashes, injuries and fatalities. He urged students to strictly avoid driving after consuming alcohol and to encourage their peers to follow safe and responsible road-use practices. Advocate Abhishek Srivastava, Chairman, Consumer Guild and Advocate, High Court, Lucknow, addressed the participants on the legal and consumer-safety dimensions of irresponsible alcohol consumption and drunk driving. He explained the legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and emphasised that responsible behaviour, compliance with applicable laws and informed decision-making are essential for protecting oneself and other road users. 

Advocate Amjad Siddiqui, Advocate, High Court, Lucknow, also sensitised the students on relevant legal issues and the importance of awareness of legal rights and responsibilities. Shri Siddharth Dayal and Prof. Vandana Singh, Faculty of Law, DDU Gorakhpur University, served as the Programme Coordinator and coordinated the academic and institutional arrangements for the workshop.

Shri Om Prakash Mishra, Social Worker, anchored the workshop and facilitated the proceedings and interaction with students. The discussions also highlighted the broader public-health and social concerns related to alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, peer pressure, impaired decision-making, mental well-being, family and social relationships, academic performance and road safety. Participants emphasised that reducing alcohol-related harm requires a comprehensive and sustained approach involving health and psychological awareness, legal literacy, road-safety education, family support, community participation and effective implementation of applicable laws. 

The workshop concluded with a strong call for university students to adopt healthy and responsible lifestyles, avoid drunk driving, resist peer pressure and actively contribute to creating a safer, healthier and more responsible society. The programme reaffirmed the important role of universities, civil society organisations, legal professionals, police authorities, psychologists and youth themselves in preventing alcohol-related harm through continuous awareness, education and collective action.

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Student workshop on reducing alcohol related harms in Jind

Student workshop on reducing alcohol related harms in Jind

by | Sep 13, 2026 | zero-irresponsible-drinking

Student workshop on reducing alcohol related harms in Jind

A special awareness programme on the ill effects of excessive and irresponsible alcohol consumption, road safety, healthy lifestyle, yoga and self-discipline was organized on 19 August 2026 at the Auditorium of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University (CRSU), Jind, a Government University of Haryana.

The programme was designed particularly for young people with the objective of creating awareness about the physical, mental, social, family and economic consequences associated with excessive alcohol consumption. A major focus was also placed on preventing drunk driving, promoting road safety, encouraging healthy alternatives such as yoga and meditation, and developing self-discipline and responsible decision-making among young people.

Approximately 304 students participated enthusiastically in the programme. The large and active participation of students demonstrated the relevance of the subject and the willingness of young people to engage in discussions concerning health, addiction prevention, road safety and responsible citizenship.

Objectives of the Programme

The principal objectives of the awareness programme were:

  • To educate young people about the adverse health consequences of excessive alcohol consumption.
  • To create awareness regarding the social, family and economic consequences of alcohol abuse.
  • To promote the principle of responsible decision-making among youth.
  • To create awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving.
  • To encourage students to adopt yoga, pranayama, meditation and other healthy activities.
  • To develop a broader understanding that the consequences of alcohol misuse can extend beyond the individual to families and society.

Detailed Program 

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Ram Pal Saini, Vice-Chancellor, Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University, Jind.

Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that young people constitute one of the greatest strengths and the future of any nation. Prof. Dr. Saini explained that alcohol consumption should not be viewed merely as an individual health issue. Excessive consumption can have wider consequences for families and society. He stressed the importance of self-discipline, positive thinking, healthy living and commitment towards one’s goals in achieving success in life.

He particularly appealed to students never to drive after consuming alcohol and emphasized that road safety cannot be left solely to the police or administration. Every individual has a responsibility to adopt safe behaviour and to discourage friends and family members from driving under the influence of alcohol.

The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted that a university is not merely a centre for imparting academic education. It also has an important role in character building, development of social responsibility and promotion of healthy values among young people.

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Participation of Students and Youth

The students participated actively throughout the programme and listened attentively to the presentations and discussions. Interactive sessions provided participants with an opportunity to understand the effects of alcohol from different perspectives, including physical and mental health, family relationships, social behaviour, economic consequences and road safety.

The students also expressed their commitment to staying away from intoxicating substances, avoiding driving after alcohol consumption and adopting healthier and more disciplined lifestyles.

The active participation of the students contributed significantly to the effectiveness and impact of the programme.

Shri Hitesh Hindustani, President of Haryana Technical Association, addressed the gathering and focused on the wider social and economic consequences of alcohol consumption.

He emphasized that excessive consumption can affect not only the individual but also the individual’s family and the wider community.

He stressed that prevention through awareness and responsible choices is essential, particularly among young people who are at an important stage of their educational and professional development.

Ms. Nilanjana Bose, representative of Consumer Voice, Delhi, addressed the participants on the importance of awareness regarding changing patterns of alcohol consumption.

She emphasized the need to develop responsible behaviour and decision-making abilities among young people. She observed that alcohol consumption in some circumstances can move beyond social use towards excessive consumption and intoxication.

Referring to figures attributed to a World Health Organization 2023 report, she stated that reported per-capita alcohol consumption in India had increased from approximately 2.4 litres in 2005 to 4.9 litres in 2023.

She highlighted the importance of helping young people understand the health and social risks associated with alcohol and encouraged them not to consume alcohol merely because of peer pressure or social expectations.

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Dr. Ramesh Panchal, Retired Deputy Civil Surgeon, provided detailed information regarding the physical and mental health consequences associated with excessive and harmful alcohol consumption.

He explained that harmful alcohol use can adversely affect several aspects of an individual’s life, including physical health, mental well-being, academic performance, family relationships and overall quality of life

Dr. Panchal emphasized that awareness should begin at an early stage, particularly among young people, so that unhealthy habits can be prevented before they develop into more serious problems.

Dr. Virender, Department of Yoga, CRSU, spoke about the role of yoga and the Indian tradition of self-control, discipline and balanced living.

He explained that yoga, pranayama and meditation can form important components of a healthy lifestyle and can assist individuals in developing better control over their physical and mental responses.

Poet Ms. Manju Manav presented a meaningful poem highlighting the social and economic circumstances that can arise from excessive alcohol consumption.

ASI Naveen Kumar addressed the participants on the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. He explained that alcohol can adversely affect decision-making ability, reaction time, and judgement. These impairments can substantially increase the risk of road accidents.

He emphasized that drunk driving can put the lives of not only the driver and passengers but also pedestrians, cyclists, other motorists and completely innocent road users at risk. Students were therefore strongly advised never to drive after consuming alcohol. The road-safety message reinforced the concept that responsible behaviour on the road is a fundamental aspect of responsible citizenship.

An important feature of the programme was the interaction between the speakers and the participating students.

The discussions covered the major areas of health and social welfare and understanding of traffic laws on drunken driving. The presence of university authorities, faculty members, health professionals, police representatives, civil society representatives and students provided the programme with a multi-dimensional approach.

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Together Against Food Waste: A Sharing Community in Action

Together Against Food Waste: A Sharing Community in Action

by | Sep 6, 2026 | Gaw 26

Together Against Food Waste: A Sharing Community in Action

Look inside most kitchen bins and you’ll find the same story — half a bowl of dal, vegetables that went soft, rice from two nights ago. None of it was thrown away carelessly. It just quietly added up.

The problem sitting in our kitchens

Food waste rarely feels like waste while it’s happening. We buy a little extra because the pack was cheaper. We cook a little more because guests might come. We push a container to the back of the fridge and forget it exists. One meal at a time, it doesn’t look like much. Over a year, it becomes a serious loss — for the household, and for everyone.

Every item that reaches the bin is money already spent. It is also water, fuel, transport, and the labour of the farmer who grew it. And when food rots in a landfill, it releases gases that warm the planet. So a small habit in one kitchen quietly connects to a very large problem outside it.

The good news

This is one of the few environmental problems you can start fixing today, with your own hands, without buying anything new. It does not need technology or a big budget. It needs a little planning, a little storage sense, and a willingness to share what we cannot finish. Much of it is knowledge our mothers and grandmothers already had — we simply stopped using it.

Simple things you can start :

  • Check before you shop. Look inside the fridge and shelves first, then write a list of what you actually need.
  • Buy loose instead of bulk. A big pack is only cheaper if you finish it.
  • Store food properly. Keep herbs in water, potatoes and onions apart, and leftovers in clear containers at eye level.
  • Follow “first in, first out.” Move older items to the front and use them first.
  • Cook to the number of people eating.
  •  Measure rice and dal instead of guessing.
  • Give leftovers a second life. 
  • Yesterday’s dal becomes a paratha filling. Stale roti becomes churma or croutons.
  •  Vegetable peels make stock.
  • Read dates carefully. “Best before” is about quality, not safety. A lot of good food is thrown out over a misread date.
  • Share the surplus. Extra food from a function or a big cooking day can go to a neighbour, a helper, or a community kitchen instead of the bin.
  • Keep a waste diary for one week. Note what you throw and why. Most families are surprised — and that surprise is where change begins.

A sharing community in action

None of this works well alone. Waste less, share more — and do it together. Through Green Action Week 2026, Consumer VOICE is bringing people into small workshops with women’s groups, consumer communities, and students and young people.

Empowering University Students in Prayagraj to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harm

Empowering University Students in Prayagraj to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harm

by | Aug 31, 2026 | zero-irresponsible-drinking

Empowering University Students in Prayagraj to Promote Responsible Choices and Reduce Alcohol-Related Harm

A comprehensive Youth Awareness Campaign on the Prevention of Irresponsible Alcohol Consumption and Road Safety was organised on 7 August in Prayagraj as a joint initiative of Consumer VOICE, Consumer Guild, and the Department of Social Work, Professor Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) State University, Prayagraj.

The programme brought together representatives of civil society, university faculty, students, road-safety professionals, psychologists, legal experts and social workers to sensitise young people about the growing risks associated with irresponsible alcohol consumption, binge drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol. The campaign emphasised the importance of healthy lifestyles, responsible decision-making, mental well-being, prevention of road crashes and greater social responsibility among young people.

The programme was organised with the objective of creating a deeper understanding among students about the physical, psychological, social, economic and legal consequences of harmful alcohol use, while particularly highlighting the serious risks posed by drunk driving to drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

Alcohol Prevention is a Collective Social Responsibility

The Chief Guest, Ms. Charul Mishra, Regional Prohibition and Social Uplift Officer, Prayagraj Zone, emphasised that preventing young people from becoming victims of alcohol addiction is not merely the responsibility of families or the government, but a collective responsibility of society as a whole.

She called upon young people to adopt a healthy, disciplined and balanced lifestyle and encouraged them to stay away from addictive substances. She stressed that preventive awareness, particularly among students and young adults, can play an important role in reducing the long-term social and health consequences associated with substance abuse.

She further emphasised the importance of strengthening community participation and ensuring that young people receive accurate information and appropriate guidance before harmful patterns of consumption become established.

Strong Message Against Drunk Driving

The Guest of Honour, Traffic Inspector Mr. Pawan Pandey, delivered a strong message on road safety and urged young people to never drive after consuming alcohol. He explained that impaired driving significantly increases the risk of crashes because alcohol can affect judgement, reaction time, concentration, coordination and the ability to make safe decisions.

He also highlighted that alcohol-related harm extends beyond the individual consumer. A person who drives after drinking can place the lives of passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheeler riders and other motorists at serious risk.

Mr. Pandey stressed that responsible road behaviour must become an integral part of youth culture and that young people should also intervene positively when friends or peers attempt to drive after consuming alcohol.

Youth and the Vision of a Developed India

Presiding over the programme, Prof. Vivek Singh, Head of the Department and Dean, Faculty of Arts, Professor Rajendra Singh (Rajju Bhaiya) State University, Prayagraj, said that a healthy and responsible youth population is essential for building a developed India.

He observed that young people constitute one of the country’s most valuable resources and that substance abuse can adversely affect their education, productivity, family relationships, health and future prospects. He emphasised that awareness programmes of this nature help develop a sense of social responsibility, self-discipline and responsible citizenship among students.

He further stated that universities have an important role to play in creating awareness among young people and providing them with a supportive environment in which healthy choices and positive lifestyles can flourish.

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Psychological Impact of Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Dr. Malavika Rao, Psychologist, explained the psychological and behavioural effects associated with alcohol and substance abuse. She highlighted how harmful consumption patterns can contribute to problems related to emotional well-being, decision-making, relationships, academic performance and social functioning.

She particularly emphasised the importance of developing healthy methods of coping with stress. Students were encouraged to engage in sports, yoga, physical exercise, creative activities, hobbies and constructive social engagement rather than relying on alcohol or other substances as a means of managing stress or emotional difficulties.

She also stressed that early awareness and timely support can help young people avoid developing harmful patterns of alcohol use and making responsible choices

Promoting Responsible Drinking Awareness

Nilanjana Bose, Consumer VOICE, stressed the importance of creating a culture of responsible decision-making and awareness among young people. She emphasised that consumer awareness should extend beyond conventional product-related issues and include matters affecting public health, safety and quality of life.

She called for sustained youth-focused awareness campaigns through educational institutions, civil society organisations and community networks so that young people can understand the potential consequences of harmful alcohol consumption and make informed choices.

Legal and Road-Safety Dimensions

Legal expert and Advocate Abhishek Srivastava sensitised participants about the legal consequences and road-safety risks of driving under the influence of alcohol.

He explained that drunk driving is not merely an issue of personal choice but a serious public-safety concern. Driving after consuming alcohol can result in loss of vehicle control, delayed reactions, impaired judgement and a substantially increased risk of causing serious injury or death.

He further explained that individuals involved in drunk-driving incidents may face serious legal consequences in addition to financial losses, damage to their reputation and long-term personal and social consequences. He urged students to adopt a simple and practical principle: if you have consumed alcohol, do not drive.

He also encouraged students to take responsibility for their peers by preventing friends from driving after drinking and by using safe alternative transportation arrangements whenever necessary.

Growing Concern Over Alcohol Consumption

During the programme, attention was also drawn to the broader trend of alcohol consumption in India. According to the World Health Organization’s 2023 reporting, the country’s recorded alcohol consumption per capita increased from approximately 2.4 litres in 2005 to 4.9 litres in 2023. The speakers emphasised that such trends underline the importance of preventive education, public awareness and community-level interventions, particularly among young people.

The participants noted that alcohol-related harm should be addressed through a comprehensive approach involving health education, mental-health support, road-safety awareness, responsible decision-making, family support, community participation and effective implementation of applicable laws.

Role of Civil Society and Educational Institutions

The campaign highlighted the important role of civil society organisations and educational institutions in addressing alcohol-related harm. The organisers emphasised that awareness programmes should not be limited to one-time events but should become part of sustained youth engagement.

Universities can serve as important platforms for promoting healthy lifestyles, road safety and responsible citizenship. Similarly, consumer organisations and civil society groups can contribute through public awareness campaigns, educational programmes, community outreach and policy advocacy.

The campaign therefore sought to build a broader partnership among young people, universities, government agencies, civil society organisations, professionals and the community for preventing alcohol-related harm and promoting safer roads.

Participation and Conclusion

The programme was conducted by senior social worker Om Prakash Mishra, who facilitated the proceedings and encouraged meaningful participation from students and other stakeholders.

Dr. Kavita Gautam, Dr. Geetanjali Srivastava and Dr. Ashok Maurya from social work department faculty , and Gudiya Singh, Abhijeet, along with a large number of students, teachers, social workers and representatives of civil society organisations, attended the programme.

The campaign concluded with a strong call for greater youth participation in promoting healthy lifestyles, responsible decision-making, road safety and social responsibility. The organisers reiterated that preventing alcohol-related harm requires sustained awareness, collective action and active participation from educational institutions, government authorities, families, civil society and young people themselves.

The event reinforced the message that a safer society begins with informed and responsible choices, and that young people can play a leading role in building a healthier, safer and more responsible India.

IEC booklets in Hindi and English were distributed and offline pre and post survey forms were also filled.

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