Coimbatore City Police Department and Young Indians (CII) joined hands to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26th, with a large-scale awareness event at Thomas Park, Race Course.

A. Saravana Sundar IPS, Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore city took part as the Chief Guest of the event. More than 200 students from multiple colleges across the city came together with a shared goal — to stand united against substance abuse and spread the message of a drug-free life.

Caroline Rajan, Co-Chair, Yi Health welcomed the gathering to the event titled 'Namakku Vendam'.  She said that it is one of the earnest efforts to prevent our society from harms of drugs.

Saumya Gayathri, Chair, Yi-Yuva in her address said that the whole week has been a powerful journey of awareness and action against drugs. In Coimbatore, Yi in collaboration with Yuva - a vibrant college student network, conducted 13 impactful events, reaching out to nearly 8000 students. The events included poster competitions, pledge drives, creative performances, awareness talks,  and they were done with 1 mission to say loud and clear 'Namakku Vendam'.

Neil Kikani, Chair- Yi Coimbatore said that Coimbatore is a city of enterprise and the enterprise runs because of youth. 65% of India's population are youngsters.  Hence it is important to safeguard our neighborhoods, friends and the city of Coimbatore from any sort of mis-happenings because of drug abuse.

Speaking at the event, Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar IPS that India enjoys a great demographic dividend and it will be in our favor for the next 2 decades. When that is on our side, drug abuse could hinder the productivity of our youth, the strength of our labour and the growth of our nation. Usage of drugs does not affect the user alone but the whole society.  If a person under influence of drug drives a vehicle, he/she can easily affect the life of others.  Innocent lives too suffers because of drugs. Hence we all should loudly say No to drugs, he advised.

The Commissioner then administered an International Day Against Drug Abuse pledge and it was taken by all, promising to uphold the values of health, responsibility, and resilience.


As part of the event, a poster-making competition was held on the theme “Drugs Destroy Dreams”, showcasing the artistic voices of students. The winning entries were announced on stage and applauded for their impactful messages. 


Students from Dr. NGP Arts & Science College, KPR College of Arts, Science & Research, Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts & Science put on compelling performances — including skits, dance, music, and mime — all centered around the theme ‘Namaku Vendam – Say No to Drugs’. These acts captured the emotional and social toll of addiction, while inspiring others to choose a healthier, brighter path.

The program concluded with a call for continued collaboration between students, law enforcement, and civil society to keep Coimbatore safe, aware, and future-ready.