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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A one-day workshop on “Prevention, Awareness and Protection from the Harmful Effects of Alcohol among Youth” was organised on 5th August 2026.  Wednesday at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The programme was jointly organised by Consumer VOICE, Consumer Guild, and the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, BHU, with the objective of sensitising young people about the health, social, legal and road-safety consequences associated with irresponsible alcohol consumption.

The workshop brought together university authorities, faculty members, legal experts, consumer advocates, researchers and students to discuss the growing need for greater awareness among young people regarding responsible choices, substance-use prevention and the wider social consequences of alcohol-related harm.

The Chief Guest, Registrar Shri Rajan Srivastava, called upon young people to adopt a healthy, disciplined and balanced lifestyle. He emphasised that protecting the younger generation from addiction cannot be viewed merely as the responsibility of families or the government. Rather, it is a collective responsibility of society as a whole. He urged students to remain aware of the long-term consequences of substance abuse and to make informed and responsible decisions concerning their health and future. He stressed that as a community we should move towards zero irresponsible drinking and sensitise young minds on responsible drinking. 

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Bhuval Ram, highlighted the adverse impact of alcohol consumption on the physical and mental health of young people. He pointed out that excessive or irresponsible drinking can adversely affect mental well-being, family relationships, academic performance, social responsibilities and overall quality of life. He encouraged students to adopt positive mechanisms for dealing with stress, including sports, yoga, cultural and creative activities, and meaningful social engagement. He also stressed the importance of creating wider public awareness against substance abuse.  He also encouraged students not to fall prey to peer influence and encouraged them to embrace responsible drinking.

Presiding over the programme, Prof. Gyan Prakash Mishra, Head of the Department, observed that the vision of a developed India requires a healthy, responsible and productive youth population. He stated that young people need to stay away from alcohol and other forms of substance abuse in order to contribute effectively to the country’s social and economic development. He further remarked that awareness programmes and workshops of this nature help students understand their social responsibilities and their role in nation-building. 

Representing Consumer VOICE, Nilanjana Bose highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of responsible decision-making among university students. She emphasised the need to create awareness about the potential physical, psychological, social and economic consequences of alcohol misuse. She also underlined the importance of preventive education and informed choices in reducing alcohol-related harm among young people.

Legal expert and Advocate Abhishek Srivastava, Chairman, Consumer Guild, Lucknow addressed the participants on the serious road-safety risks and legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. He sensitised the students about the dangers posed by drunk driving, not only to the driver but also to passengers, pedestrians and other road users. He emphasised that a moment of irresponsible decision-making can result in serious injuries, loss of life, criminal and legal consequences, financial liabilities and long-term social repercussions.

He further explained that road safety is closely linked with responsible behaviour and that young people have an important role to play in preventing alcohol-related road crashes. Students were encouraged to adopt practical safety measures, including never driving after consuming alcohol, preventing friends from driving while intoxicated, using safe alternative transportation and encouraging responsible behaviour among peers.

The workshop also focused on the broader objective of protecting public health, preventing road accidents and creating an informed and responsible youth community. The speakers emphasised that awareness should not be limited to the dangers of alcohol consumption but should also encourage young people to develop healthy coping mechanisms, make informed decisions and understand the consequences of their actions on families and society.

The interactive nature of the programme provided students and researchers with an opportunity to understand the issue from multiple perspectives, including public health, consumer awareness, social responsibility, legal implications and road safety. The discussions also reinforced the importance of universities as key institutions for youth sensitisation and preventive education.

The programme was attended by Prof. Shobhana Nerlikar, Dr. Sanjeev Saraf, Dr. Neha Pandey, Chandrashekhar Mishra, Dr. Pallavi Pandey, Dr. Sharad Shashank, Nidhi, Sonal, Ankit Pandey, along with a large number of faculty members, research scholars and students.

The workshop concluded with a renewed emphasis on the need for continuous youth awareness programmes, responsible decision-making, prevention of alcohol-related harm and stronger community participation in promoting healthy and safe lifestyles among young people.