Youth Sensitization Workshop on Alcohol-Related Harms, Responsible Drinking and Road Safety in Jhansi

A comprehensive youth awareness workshop on ‘Reducing Alcohol Related Harms among youth- Awareness and Protection among University Students’ was organized on 25 August 2026 at Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, as a joint initiative of Consumer VOICE and Consumer Guild, with local support from Score Foundation, in collaboration with the Innovation Centre & DST – Technology Enabling Centre, Bundelkhand University.

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

The Chief Guest, Ms. Priti Singh, SP City, Jhansi, emphasized that preventing young people from becoming victims of alcohol addiction is a collective responsibility of families, the government, and society. She called upon students to adopt a healthy, disciplined, and balanced lifestyle, stressing the importance of preventive awareness, community participation, and accurate information. Additionally, she shared the legal consequences of alcohol consumption.

The Chief Guest, Shri Mukesh Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, delivered a strong message on road safety and urged young people to never drink and drive. He explained that alcohol-impaired driving adversely affects judgement, reaction time, concentration and coordination and can endanger passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, two-wheeler riders and other road users.

Prof. M. K. Singh, Dean, Engineering Department, Bundelkhand University, while presiding over the programme, stated that a healthy, responsible and productive youth population is essential for building a developed India and highlighted the important role of universities in promoting healthy lifestyles, self-discipline and responsible citizenship.

Dr. Lavkush Dwivedi, Coordinator, Innovation Centre & DST – Technology Enabling Centre, explained the psychological and behavioural effects associated with excessive alcohol consumption including its possible impact on emotional well-being, decision-making, relationships, academic performance and social functioning. He encouraged students to adopt healthy methods of coping with stress through sports, yoga, physical exercise, creative activities, hobbies and constructive social engagement rather than relying on alcohol or other substances.

Shri Hemant Upadhyay, Advisor to Consumer VOICE, expressed concern over the rising trend of binge drinking and irresponsible alcohol consumption. He emphasised the importance of making informed, responsible decisions, especially when dealing with peer pressure, social influence, and recreational drinking. Furthermore, he stressed that consumer awareness must extend beyond basic product details to encompass public health, safety, and overall quality of life. To achieve this, he called for sustained, youth-focused awareness campaigns driven by educational institutions, civil society organisations, and community networks. He also highlighted that young people must understand alcohol quantities to make educated choices and avoid irresponsible drinking, noting that banning alcohol completely is not a successful solution.

Advocate Abhishek Srivastava, Legal Expert, sensitised participants about the legal consequences and road-safety risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, explaining that drunk driving is a serious public-safety concern that can result in loss of vehicle control, delayed reactions, impaired judgement and an increased risk of serious injury or death.

During the programme, attention was also drawn to the broader trend of alcohol consumption in India, including the World Health Organization’s 2023 reporting, as cited during the programme, regarding recorded alcohol consumption per capita. The students were also apprised on ABV (Alcohol by Volume) and its meaning through slide show presentation. Participants emphasised that alcohol-related harm requires 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. The programme further highlighted the important role of educational institutions and civil society organisations in sustained youth engagement and public awareness. 

The proceedings were facilitated by Shri Madhuban Pandey, Score Foundation, who encouraged meaningful participation from students and stakeholders. Representatives of the Innovation Centre & DST – Technology Enabling Centre, along with students, teachers, social workers and civil society representatives, participated in the programme.