In a significant move to combat substance abuse, Bengaluru's Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) is taking its fight beyond campuses and into public spaces. The university plans to formally request the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to make the screening of short anti-drug videos mandatory in cinema halls across the country before film screenings begin.
From Tobacco to Drugs: Expanding the Pre-Film Reel
Currently, cinema-goers are accustomed to seeing advertisements and awareness videos highlighting the dangers of tobacco use before the main feature. RGUHS aims to expand this mandate to include videos focusing on drug abuse. Vice-Chancellor Bhagavan BC stated that the university will urge the ministry to include this critical content, leveraging the captive audience in theaters for a powerful public health message.
"We plan to urge the ministry to include awareness videos on drug abuse," said VC Bhagavan BC, emphasizing the need to address this growing menace proactively.
A Multi-Pronged Awareness Drive on Transport Hubs
The cinematic push is just one part of a broader strategy. RGUHS has already approached the state transport department with a similar proposal. The university seeks permission to screen its anti-drug videos on long-route buses, inside Namma Metro trains, and at major bus stations in Bengaluru.
The response from the transport ministry has been encouraging. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has reacted positively to the initial request. The university is now preparing to submit a final, detailed proposal for implementation, which could see anti-drug messages becoming a common sight during daily commutes.
Campus Crackdown: Task Forces and Mandatory Screenings
These external initiatives are bolstered by robust actions within the university's own network. As a core part of its Nasha Mukth campaign, RGUHS has launched an intensive anti-drug drive on all affiliated campuses.
Student-created content and videos form the backbone of this campaign. The university has mandated that all its affiliated colleges screen these awareness videos in classrooms at least twice every week. To ensure ground-level monitoring and swift action, RGUHS has established a dedicated task force.
This task force is a collaborative body comprising police officials, faculty members, and student representatives. Its primary role is to monitor and address drug-related issues on campuses. The task force is required to submit a comprehensive report to the university administration every three months.
Adding further accountability, the university has introduced a new requirement for the annual affiliation process. From this academic year, colleges must formally declare their campuses as drug-free to secure or renew their affiliation with RGUHS, placing the onus directly on institutional authorities.
Through this combined approach—targeting public entertainment venues, transport systems, and educational institutions—RGUHS is mounting a comprehensive offensive against drug abuse, aiming to protect students and the public alike.
