Peace Mela brings college together against Drug Abuse
- Rivett '25
- Nov 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Two-day awareness drive stresses personal, social, and professional costs of addiction.
J Melinda Mishal, B Ishaani, III BA English
Peace Mela 2025, hosted by WCC on August 11th and 12th, turned into a spirited event that combined cultural, academic and expert dialogue under the theme “Creating a Society Free of Drug Abuse.” With over 150 participants from different Departments, the programme shed light on how substance abuse affects individuals, families, and careers, while encouraging youth to take an active stand against it.
Day One: Art, Dialogue, and Awareness
The first day at the Bertha Corfield Auditorium opened with an invocation dance by Ms Jaishree, III BSc Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology Department, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Judia Harriet Sumathy, Convener, who stressed the urgency of tackling drug abuse on campuses. The Principal Dr. Lilian I Jasper highlighted that education must prepare students to face social issues beyond academics, while Ms. Nitya R from Ethiraj College for Women called for greater collaboration between institutions.
Students then participated in poetry, short story, and paper presentation competitions, using creativity to reflect on the personal and social costs of addiction. Nearly 86 students presented papers that shared ideas on how to build a drug-free society. In the story writing competition, Renita David from the English Department secured the first place, Aradhana from the English Department won the second place, and Preethi from the Chemistry Department bagged the third place. In the poetry writing competition, Smrithi from the English Department secured the first place and Sangkitha from the English Department won the second place.
A documentary on drug abuse gave participants a powerful visual understanding of the problem, setting the stage for deeper discussions.
The day’s highlight was a lecture by Dr. Gladston Ashok Xavier, Head of Social Work, Loyola College, who explained the different types of addiction, from drugs and alcohol to behavioral dependencies. He emphasised how these habits damage health, relationships, and social well-being, while urging students to approach the issue with empathy and community support.
Day Two: Expanding Perspectives
The second day at the Lucy Peabody Auditorium shifted attention to the broader impact of substance abuse. Dr. Florina Gladston spoke of the effects of addiction on families and society, noting how it fuels domestic conflict, financial strain, and intergenerational trauma.
Dr. M M Padmakumar of Christ University followed with a talk on the professional costs of addiction, warning that substance abuse can lead to absenteeism, workplace accidents, and career setbacks. His message resonated strongly with students preparing to enter the workforce.
Later, Dr. Muthu Rubens, also from Christ University, debunked myths about drug use, stressing that even casual use can alter brain chemistry and that recovery requires structured support. His session aimed to remove stigma and promote open conversations about treatment.
Valedictory Session
The valedictory function featured a motivational address by activist Ms. E Mary Michaelammal, who explained the stages of addiction and recovery. She reassured participants that while the process is difficult, awareness and compassion can make recovery possible.
Ms. Lizzie Angelina, former Vice Principal of WCC, distributed prizes to the winners of competitions, praising students for their insightful contributions. The event closed with a vote of thanks by the Convenor, acknowledging faculty, speakers, and participants for making the mela a success.
Beyond an Event: Building a Movement
Peace Mela 2025 stood out for its ability to blend culture, education, and advocacy. The mix of competitions, expert talks, and performances created both intellectual and emotional engagement, leaving students more confident about addressing drug abuse among peers and families.
In today’s urban environment, where young people face increasing peer pressure, such programmes are vital in equipping them with clarity and resilience. By stressing medical, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives, Peace Mela 2025 showed that drug abuse cannot be solved in isolation but demands collective action.
The event’s lasting message was clear: building a drug-free society is a shared responsibility. By uniting students in dialogue and action, the mela reaffirmed that today’s youth are not passive learners but active leaders in shaping a healthier, more responsible tomorrow.
