Bengaluru, August 11th, 2025: The Department of Narcotics & Cyber Crime, Karnataka State Police, in collaboration with Manipal Foundation and MAYA films, successfully launched the Drug Free Karnataka campaign at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore campus. This groundbreaking statewide initiative aims to educate and sensitize students across Karnataka about the devastating impact of narcotic drug use on individuals, families, and society.
The campaign launch was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Pronab Mohanty, IPS, Director General of Police, Cyber Command, Narcotics and Police Computer Wing, Bengaluru, Ms. Savitha Srinivas, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Narcotics and Organised Crime Division, Cyber Command and Narcotics, Bengaluru, Mr. Harinarayana Sharma, CEO Manipal Foundation, Ms. Maya Chandra, Founder-Director, MAYA Films, Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru.
The initiative, developed over the past year with support from NIMHANS and the Department of Health, Government of Karnataka, represents a comprehensive approach to drug abuse prevention through education and awareness.
Dr. Pronab Mohanty, IPS, Director General of Police, Cyber Command, Narcotics and Police Computer Wing, Bengaluru, “The campaign against drug abuse, led by Karnataka State Police and supported by various stakeholders, emphasizes a collaborative approach to tackle this complex issue. It highlights the need for enforcement, awareness, and community involvement, especially from youth. Precautionary messages stress that drug abuse affects not just users but families and society at large. The initiative urges a shift from reactive policing to proactive societal engagement, recognizing addiction as a public health challenge. It advocates for monitoring, rehabilitation, and shared responsibility to address the root causes and long-term impact of drug abuse”.
Ms. Savitha Srinivas, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Narcotics and Organised Crime Division, Cyber Command and Narcotics, Bengaluru, “Karnataka has seen a sharp rise in cases, crossing 6,000 in 2023 and continuing upward through 2024 and 2025. In response, a year-long dual outreach campaign was launched — physically engaging students and leveraging social media to spread awareness. The initiative includes documentary screenings, training “narco-warriors” from diverse backgrounds, and distributing tailored social media content. Government orders will soon require anti-drug committees in every institution, supported by volunteers to promote preventive action.”
Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru, said, “The Drug Free Karnataka campaign aligns perfectly with MAHE’s commitment to holistic student development and social responsibility. By hosting this vital initiative on our campus, we reaffirm our dedication to creating safe, healthy environments for learning and growth. Education is our most powerful weapon against social evils like drug abuse, and through partnerships like this, we can create lasting positive change in our communities.”
The campaign features a powerful 17-minute documentary film that follows the real journeys of drug users, highlighting their struggles and recovery paths, bringing authentic voices to the forefront of this critical issue. The campaign has garnered significant credibility through endorsements from cricket legends Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath, alongside testimonials from senior police officers, healthcare professionals, and government officials including the Home Minister of Karnataka state Dr G Parameshwara. These endorsements add weight to the campaign’s message and help reach diverse audiences across the state.
