As part of the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a Legal Awareness Session was conducted at the College Auditorium, Karuna Medical College, Palakkad, on 24 June 2026. The programme was organised by the Institutional Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) Committee in collaboration with the Taluk Legal Services Committee, Chittur.
The session commenced at 2.40 PM with a welcome address by Dr. S. Peranantham, Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. P. Swaminathan, Principal, who highlighted the adverse health consequences of drug abuse, emphasised the importance of preventive measures among youth, and briefed the students on Operation Toofan, the anti-drug initiative aimed at curbing substance abuse and drug trafficking.
The resource persons for the session were Mr. Sasi V.P., Assistant Sub-Inspector, Special Branch, Palakkad, and Mrs. K.R. Mahalakshmi, Panel Lawyer, Taluk Legal Services Committee, Chittur. Mr. Sasi V.P. delivered an informative talk on the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and highlighted the growing concern of substance abuse among the student community. Mrs. K.R. Mahalakshmi addressed the students on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, domestic violence, the legal consequences of abetment of drug-related offences, and the importance of reporting offences through appropriate legal channels.
The programme was attended by around 300 MBBS students from Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III, along with faculty members. The students actively participated in the interactive session, and feedback was collected at the end of the programme.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. R.Tharakeswari, Vice-principal. The programme successfully enhanced awareness among students regarding the harmful effects of drug abuse, legal responsibilities, and the importance of fostering a healthy, safe, and drug-free society.
