The Nasha Mukth Committee and Department of Psychiatry jointly organized an Awareness Talk on the theme “Breaking Free: Understanding Addiction and Recovery” along with the Prize Distribution Ceremony of the Reels Making Competition organized on the same theme on 04.07.2026 from 10.30 AM to 11.30 AM at the Lecture Hall, 2nd Floor, New Trauma Centre, BLDE Campus, Vijayapura.

The program commenced with an introduction to the ceremony by Dr. Anhaita Patra, Junior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine. The dignitaries, including Dr. Tejaswini Vallabha, Principal and Dean, Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Anand P Ambali Vice Principal (Academics and Administration), Professor & HoD, Dept. of Geriatrics; Dr. Udaykumar Nucchi, Professor & HoD, Dept. of Forensic Medicne & Chief Warden Gents Hostel; Dr. Girish Kulloli, Dean, Student Welfare & Sports and Professor, Dept. of General Surgery; Dr. Santosh Ramdurg, Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, were escorted to the dais.

The gathering was formally welcomed by Dr. Prasadkumar Karekar , Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Santosh Ramdurg, Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of creating awareness about substance abuse, addiction, and recovery.

The Nasha Mukth Committee and Department of Psychiatry jointly conducted a reel making competition was organized in June 2026 for students from all educational institutions under BLDE, including the Medical College, Engineering College, Polytechnic College, School of Physiotherapy, School of Law, Pharmacy College, School of Allied Sciences, Nursing College, and Degree College.

Dr. Santosh Ramdurg announced the results of the Reels Making Competition conducted on the theme “Breaking Free: Understanding Addiction and Recovery.” For winners we gave cash prize with certificate

Following were the winners of this competition

• First Prize: Rs 2000/- Dr. Abhishekh Badiger
• Second Prize:Rs 1500/- Abhijith Patil
• Third Prize: Rs 1000/ Datta Kambagi

The prizes were presented to the winners by the dignitaries on the dais. The award-winning reels were subsequently screened for the audience and were highly appreciated for their creativity and strong awareness messages against substance abuse.

The awareness talk was delivered by Dr. Gouthami S.G., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry & Member Secretary Nasha Mukth Committee, who provided valuable insights into substance use, substance dependence, associated risk factors, psychological and physical consequences, early warning signs of addiction, and ways to recognize and support friends struggling with substance use. She also emphasized the importance of seeking timely professional help and reducing the stigma associated with addiction treatment.

The scientific session was moderated by Dr. Santosh Ramdurg, Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, and chaired by Dr. Udaykumar Nucchi, Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Chief Warden, Gents Hostel.

During the interactive session, Dr. Udaykumar Nucchi highlighted the legal implications of possession and abuse of illicit substances. Dr. S. P. Chaukimath Professor Department of Psychiatry emphasized that occasional experimentation with drugs can gradually progress to dependence and cautioned students against the misconception that drug dependence cannot happen to them.

Dr. Anand Ambali, Vice Principal (Academics and Administration), Professor & HoD, Dept. of Geriatrics encouraged students to seek help without hesitation whenever they experience emotional or psychological difficulties and motivated them to pursue healthy hobbies and constructive activities as positive alternatives to substance use.

Dr. Girish Kulloli, Dean, Student Affairs and Sports, advised students to uphold the trust and expectations of their parents by making responsible life choices and staying away from addictive substances.The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Jayant Kamath, Senior Resident Department of Psychiatry.

Dr. Manovijay B. Kalasagond, Dr. Mamatha K., Dr. Shreeshail Gidaganti, members of the Nasha Mukth Committee, faculty members of the Department of Psychiatry, and teaching faculty from various departments were present during the program and actively participated in the event.

A total of 180 participants, including 2022 batch MBBS students, participants of reel making competition and staff, attended the program. The participants actively engaged in the awareness session and benefitted from the expert talks, which enhanced their understanding of addiction, recovery, prevention strategies, and the importance of seeking timely help.