On 11 September 2026, four officers from Bhowanipore Police Station, South Division, Kolkata Police, visited The Bhawanipur Education Society College to conduct an Anti-Drug Awareness Programme at the Society Hall. The session, which commenced at 3:00 p.m., was attended by over 90 students and faculty members. The programme aimed to sensitise students to the dangers and consequences of drug abuse and to encourage awareness, vigilance, and responsible decision-making.
The programme began with a thematic introduction by Prof. Dilip Shah, Rector and Dean, who set the context for the session and highlighted the importance of creating awareness among young people about substance abuse and its wider social consequences.
The session then featured a deeply personal account by Subhasis Nath, who spoke about his 18-year struggle with drug addiction and his journey towards recovery. Sharing his experience, he spoke about the devastating impact of addiction on an individual as well as on their family and relationships. His account of recovery, and how it transformed his relationship with his parents, made a strong impression on the audience. Having overcome his addiction, Mr. Nath went on to establish his own rehabilitation centre, Bhalo Basha, where he now works to support others facing similar challenges.
This was followed by the screening of a short film created by the police department. The film poignantly portrayed the potentially devastating consequences of even a single instance of substance abuse and highlighted the importance of making informed choices and leading a drug-free life. The students were encouraged to recognise the influence of peer pressure and the importance of firmly saying “no” to drugs.
ACP Soumitra Basu, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhowanipore Police Station, addressed the gathering and emphasised that the consequences of drug abuse extend beyond the individual and the family, affecting society and the nation as a whole. He also explained the nexus between illicit drug trafficking and terrorist organisations, highlighting the broader social and national implications of the illegal drug trade. He urged individuals to remain vigilant about themselves, their families, and their friends and stressed that collective awareness and responsibility are essential in addressing the issue.
The session also included an interactive component, during which Prof. Minakshi Chaturvedi raised an important concern regarding hookah bars and their potential implications in the context of substance-use awareness. The discussion provided an opportunity to address concerns relevant to young people and their social environment.
The programme was attended by several faculty members, including Dr. Rekha Nariwal, Dr. Vasundhara Mishra, and Dr. Devina Gupta, along with a large number of students.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dilip Shah, Rector and Dean, who expressed appreciation to the officers of Bhowanipore Police Station for taking the initiative to engage with the college community and for sharing valuable insights and experiences with the students.
The Anti-Drug Awareness Programme served as a meaningful platform for sensitising students to the realities of addiction, the importance of prevention and timely intervention, and the wider social consequences of substance abuse. The personal testimony, film screening, police interaction, and open discussion collectively reinforced the message that awareness, vigilance, and responsible choices play an important role in building a healthier and safer society.
Reporter: Amna Shamim, Khushi Bohra
Photographer: Gourav Chowdhury
