On 26 June, 2023, Dr. Arul spoke with the IIT Madras Students on the occasion of the “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”. Organized by the DOST at IIT Madras, this programme was aimed at creating awareness about the menace of Substance Use among the student community. The lecture elaborated on the various risk factors for drug use behaviour by adolescents and young students, how the warning signs’ can be picked up by both the students and the teachers and how to break the stereotype of stigma and seek professional help to lead an academically enriching and productive life.
This was followed by Q & A session where the students interacted with the speaker actively. The program was presided by the Dean of the Student Office Mr. Nilesh Jeyanthilal Vasa, Mr. K.B. Swaminathan, Superintendent, Mrs. Sofia, Wellness Community Centre.