Chennai: In a first-of-its-kind drive, a panel of experts comprising a lawyer, a police officer, an educationist, a social worker and a doctor will visit more than 100 schools and colleges in the city to promote awareness against drug use through presentations, plays, motivational sessions and interactive activities.Spearheaded by the Greater Chennai Police and Tamil Nadu Volunteers, a non-profit working in the field of sustainability and youth empowerment, this initiative is aimed at covering more than 40,000 students from July 1 to 15. They plan to organise street plays, pamphlet distribution and administration of pledges. The expert panel to present at schools and colleges is being identified by TN Volunteers and police personnel.“Every police station should reach out to a college, a school and the public in their jurisdiction. More than 300 campaigns are being planned in collaboration with 104 police stations,” said Thamilarasan, a volunteer. In a circular dated June 25, Chennai commissioner A Amalraj has ordered officers to ensure police participation and support for the programme.The outreach also has a digital segment, where students and members of the public can take part in a social media campaign, N Hari Krishnan, chief-coordinator, TN Volunteers, said.“Our volunteers encourage students, youth, educational institutions, NGOs and the public to post photos, videos and awareness messages supporting a Drug Free Society on social media platforms tagging the chief minister, the police and our platform. Participants will be provided with a certificate,” he added.The campaign was launched in other districts in coordination with respective district superintendents of police on June 26, in line with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The aim is to reach more than 1,00,000 students through 500 campaigns.
