Consumer VOICE, in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), organised a State-Level Stakeholder Dialogue on Reducing Harms Due to Alcohol Consumption at the NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bengaluru. The consultation brought together policymakers, public health experts, psychiatrists, consumer advocates, academicians, and civil society representatives to discuss evidence-based strategies for reducing alcohol-related harms among university students and young adults.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Padmavathy Doraiswamy, Senior Nursing Officer, NIMHANS. Mr. Hemant Upadhyay, Senior Advisor, Consumer VOICE, outlined the objectives of the consultation, emphasising the importance of consumer awareness, informed decision-making, and responsible alcohol consumption. Dr. Shobha G., Director, Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Karnataka, called upon educational institutions to integrate substance use prevention, mental health promotion and life skills education into campus activities.

Introducing the Substance Use-Free Campus Campaign, Mr. S. J. Chander, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI), described the campaign as a collaborative effort to foster healthy campus environments through awareness, prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Prabha S. Chandra, Director, NIMHANS, stressed that addressing alcohol use among young people must be treated as a public health priority requiring coordinated action by educational institutions, families, communities and government agencies.

The technical sessions featured distinguished experts from diverse fields. Dr. Krishna Raj discussed alcohol taxation, public policy and the importance of consumer awareness regarding Alcohol by Volume (ABV), advocating taxation linked to alcohol content rather than beverage categories. Dr. Vivek Benegal highlighted the impact of alcohol on the developing brain, explaining why delaying alcohol initiation among young people is one of the most effective prevention strategies while also emphasising the broader social and economic costs of alcohol-related harm.

Speaking on consumer rights and responsible choices, Mr. Tushar Gandhi underscored the need for consumers to understand Alcohol by Volume (ABV), read product labels carefully, and critically evaluate alcohol marketing and promotional messages. He emphasised that transparent labelling empowers consumers to make informed decisions based on facts rather than advertising.

Addressing alcohol from a public health perspective, Dr. Girish N. Rao presented epidemiological evidence on the growing burden of alcohol-related diseases, injuries, mental health disorders and road traffic crashes, calling for stronger surveillance, research and evidence-based public health programmes. Dr. Rajani P. highlighted the Government of Karnataka’s initiatives on prevention, early identification, counselling, referral services, rehabilitation and community engagement, while stressing the importance of creating supportive educational environments where students can seek help without stigma.

An interactive panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Jayanth Mahadevan, explored issues including alcohol-related public health risks, road safety, consumer awareness, misleading advertising, youth behaviour, mental health promotion and strategies for establishing substance use-free campuses. Participants from academia, healthcare, government and civil society actively engaged in discussions on practical solutions and evidence-based interventions.

The dialogue concluded with a set of recommendations, including establishing substance use-free campus policies, strengthening awareness on alcohol-related harms, promoting education on Alcohol by Volume (ABV) and product labelling, integrating life skills and mental health into university curricula, regulating misleading marketing practices, strengthening referral services, and enhancing collaboration among government, educational institutions, health systems and civil society organisations. The consultation reaffirmed the importance of informed consumer choices, responsible communication and multi-sectoral partnerships in building healthier campuses and reducing alcohol-related harms among young people.

Consumer VOICE, in collaboration with the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI), the University of Mysore, Christ College, Mysore, and the National Service Scheme (NSS), organised a youth awareness seminar on Reducing Alcohol-Related Harms among Youth: Awareness and Prevention among University students at Christ College, University of Mysuru on 9 July 2026. The programme brought together students, public health experts, law enforcement officials, psychologists, and educators to raise awareness about the health, social, and road safety consequences of alcohol use among young people and to encourage informed, responsible decision-making.

The seminar was inaugurated by Fr. Dr. Augusty P of Christ College while Mr. Hemant Upadhyay, Advisor, Consumer VOICE, introduced the campaign and highlighted the importance of consumer awareness and youth engagement in preventing alcohol-related harms. Mr. S. J. Chander, Director, Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI), emphasised the need to create substance-free educational institutions and foster healthy environments for students. A pre-event survey was also conducted to assess participants’ awareness and establish a baseline for the programme.

The technical sessions featured distinguished experts from diverse fields. Dr. Prashantha, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Mysore Medical College, explained the harmful effects of alcohol on physical and mental health, dispelled common myths surrounding alcohol consumption, and highlighted its long-term impact on major organs and overall wellbeing.

Addressing the issue of road safety, Mr. Sidesha, Sub-Inspector, Mysore City Traffic Police, presented alarming road crash statistics and stressed that drunk driving remains a completely preventable cause of death. He also informed students about strict enforcement measures in Mysuru and the legal consequences of driving under the influence under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The psychosocial dimensions of alcohol dependence were discussed by Mrs. Anuradha K., Clinical Psychologist, who spoke about the progression of alcohol dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and the importance of counselling and group therapy in supporting recovery. She encouraged students to seek help early and support peers who may be struggling with substance use.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion where experts underscored the importance of coordinated action involving educational institutions, families, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to prevent substance abuse among youth. Students reaffirmed their commitment to healthy and responsible lifestyles by taking a Student Responsibility Pledge, led by Mr. Vedaraju K. A., before the event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Gandharva, a III B.Com student.

More than 85 students attended the event and IEC materials “Embrace the culture of Zero Irresponsible Drinking” – both in English and Kannadiga were distributed.