In a powerful display of solidarity, students from Sri Venkateswara University organized an anti-drug rally in Tirupati. Prominent leaders joined the march to advocate for a drug-free Andhra Pradesh.

  • Students marched from SVU to NTR Circle in Tirupati.
  • TUDA Chairman, SVU Vice-Chancellor, and TTD Board member participated.
  • The mission is to transform Andhra Pradesh into a drug-free state.
  • Emphasis placed on institutional counseling and awareness.

TIRUPATI: The streets of Tirupati echoed with determination on Saturday as students from Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) took to the roads to protest against the rising menace of narcotics. The massive rally, which spanned from the university campus to the iconic NTR Circle, served as a clarion call to the youth and the community to reject drug addiction.

The movement saw high-profile participation from administrative and spiritual leaders. C. (Dollars) Divakar Reddy, Chairman of the Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA), Prof. Tata Narasinga Rao, Vice-Chancellor of SVU, and G. Bhanu Prakash Reddy, a Board Member of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), all joined the student marchers to show institutional support for the cause.

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The Vision for a Drug-Free State

Addressing the media, Mr. Divakar Reddy emphasized that the rally was a strategic step toward making Andhra Pradesh a drug-free state and Tirupati a drug-free city. "The youth must not get addicted to drugs, which pose a serious risk not only to the individual’s life but also to the family and society," he warned. He further urged students to leverage government opportunities in business and skill development to become partners in national growth.

Youth must channel their energy into nation-building rather than self-destruction through addiction.

Prof. Tata Narasinga Rao highlighted the psychological aspect of addiction, noting that habits often started as 'fun' in youth can escalate into life-threatening dependencies. He underscored that SVU is committed to implementing continuous awareness programs and providing professional counseling to support students struggling with such issues.

Preserving the Spiritual Integrity of Tirupati

Adding a spiritual dimension to the cause, TTD Board member G. Bhanu Prakash Reddy urged the public to protect the sanctity of Tirupati, a world-renowned spiritual destination, from the influence of narcotics. He encouraged students to focus on academics, sports, and skill acquisition to lead a productive life.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that grassroots movements led by students are often more effective in driving behavioral change among peers than top-down government mandates. As drug trafficking remains a significant challenge in regional corridors, such synchronized efforts between academia, local government, and religious institutions are crucial for long-term prevention.

Did You Know?: Student-led advocacy groups are statistically more likely to influence peer behavior regarding substance abuse than traditional media campaigns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who organized the anti-drug rally in Tirupati?
The rally was organized by the students of Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) with support from TUDA and TTD officials.

2. What support is SVU providing to students?
The university has pledged to provide counseling and continuous awareness programs to prevent drug use.