Topic: Awareness Programme on the Ill Effects of Alcohol Consumption and Substance Abuse, the POCSO Act, and Child Marriage

Organized by: Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society’s B.V. Bhoomareddy College of Arts, Science and Commerce,  Bidar, in association with the District Legal Services Authority, District Bar Association, Samaja Seva Samiti, Bengaluru, the Department of Women and Child Development, and the District Child Protection Unit, Bidar.

Date: 14 October 2026

Venue: A.V. Hall, B.V. Bhoomareddy Degree College, Bidar

Inaugural Ceremony

The programme was inaugurated at 10:30 a.m. on 14 October 2026 at B.V. Bhoomareddy Degree College, Bidar, by the Dignitaries watering a sapling as a symbol of growth and a healthy future.

The chief guest, Sri Raghavendra Upadhye, Senior Civil Judge and Member Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, as well as a member of the Governing Council of the Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society, attended the programme along with Dr. Rajinish S. Wali, Governing Council Member H.K.E.Society, Kalaburagi  and Convenor  of the B.V.B. School and College Campus Bidar.

In his address, Sri Raghavendra Upadhye stated that today’s youth are falling prey to harmful habits and ruining their precious lives. He advised students to stay away from alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse, concentrate on their studies, and strive to achieve higher goals in life.

Address by the Chief Guests

Mrs. Shobha H.G., representing Samaja Seva Samiti, Bengaluru, addressed the gathering and expressed concern about the increasing prevalence of drug abuse and smoking among students. She urged students to remember the sacrifices of their parents and the hard work of their teachers. She encouraged them to concentrate on their studies, secure good marks, and build successful careers, including aspiring to prestigious positions such as IAS and KAS officers.

Mrs. Sharada N. Kalmalkar, District Child Protection Officer, spoke about the issue of child marriage in various parts of Karnataka. She explained that whenever information about a child marriage is received, the District Child Protection Unit intervenes to prevent it. She emphasised the importance of creating awareness among children and parents about the harmful consequences of child marriage. She also encouraged students to pursue higher education and contribute to the welfare of society.

Sri Sanjay Mathapati, President of the District Bar Association, addressed the gathering on the importance of legal awareness. He explained that the law helps prevent wrongdoing in society and protects those who respect and follow it. He stressed that everyone should understand the fundamental principles of law, the Constitution, and the judicial system to become responsible citizens.

Presidential Address

The programme was presided over by Dr. Rajaneesh S. Wali, member of the Governing Council of the Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society and Director of the B.V.B. School and College Campus.

In his presidential address, he emphasised that teachers and parents must carefully monitor the direction in which students are progressing. He encouraged students to follow their teachers’ guidance, develop reading and writing skills, make effective use of the college library, and move from ignorance towards knowledge through education.

Welcome and Introduction

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Deepa Raga, Principal of the College, and        Dr. Shivalila Veerayya, Coordinator of the Cultural Department. They welcomed the Dignitaries and introduced the objectives of the programme.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Meenakshi Kamathane, Lecturer in the Department of Sociology.

Participation

The programme was attended by NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, students, faculty members, and non-teaching staff of the College.

Conclusion

The legal awareness and assistance programme created awareness among students about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse, the importance of the POCSO Act, the prevention of child marriage, and the need to understand and respect the law. The programme encouraged students to adopt responsible behaviour, focus on education, and contribute to building a healthy, safe and law-abiding society.