Rising Addiction in Pune Sparks a Creative Movement Among Students
Pune, 9th July 2025: Addiction is increasingly becoming a serious concern in Pune city, affecting not just individuals but the social fabric of communities. In response to this pressing issue, the Tarachand Ramnath Seva Trust, through its Saiyam initiative, actively participated in the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, a national campaign launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
As part of this government-led movement, a poster-making competition was organized on 27th and 28th June 2025 across four Pune schools. More than 600 students from Grades 8, 9, and 10 took part enthusiastically, using their creativity to voice powerful messages about resisting addiction.
Themes such as “Say No to Addiction, Say Yes to Sports (सनांना नाही णा, खेळांना हो णा). Grade 9 students focused on Spend Time with People, Not Screens (स्क्रीन नव्हे, माणसांमध्ये वेळ घालवा), while Grade 10 students expressed their vision of How Will an Addiction-Free India Look? (तुमच्या प्नातला सनमु भारत कसा दिसेल).” served as inspiration for their artwork.
A student from Vishnuji Shekuji Satav High School, Wagholi shared, “I created a poster showing the ill effects of drugs and tobacco because I want my friends to understand how dangerous it can be.” These heartfelt expressions reflect the growing awareness among young minds.
Addiction is a critical and sensitive issue, yet through the stroke of a brush and the depth of color, students transformed blank canvases into bold statements of hope and change. Art became their voice by capturing not just problems, but solutions and dreams for a healthier future.
