Over 100 students participate in painting and slogan competition on International Day Against Drug Abuse
Udaipur, Rajasthan — The alarming rise in mobile addiction among children is no longer a matter of casual concern—it is a form of modern-day substance abuse, warned noted de-addiction campaigner Dr. P.C. Jain. Speaking at a public awareness program organized on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse, Dr. Jain emphasized that mobile phones are causing both physical and mental health problems in children, and it is high time parents take responsibility.
The event, hosted by New Vision Seva Sansthan (De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre) at Abhinav School, witnessed a vibrant turnout as over 100 students participated in a painting and slogan competition. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of addiction, including the growing dependence on mobile phones among young minds.
Mobile Phones: The Silent Epidemic Among Youth
“Mobile phone use has gone beyond normalcy and turned into an addiction that affects children’s brains, eyes, and ears,” said Dr. Jain, the event’s chief guest. “Addiction doesn’t always come in the form of alcohol or drugs. Today, mobile phones have become the new drug. Parents are unknowingly pushing their children into this digital abyss by handing them devices at a young age.”
Using simple and relatable language, Dr. Jain engaged the students in understanding how addiction—whether digital or chemical—leads to long-term consequences. He also highlighted the influence children can have within their families by encouraging addicted members to seek help.
Influential Guests Share Personal Insights
Among the dignitaries present were Arushi Jain, Assistant Director, Department of Social Welfare; Akash Bagdi, Founder of Eklingnath Sewa Sansthan; and Nirmal Pandit, a prominent social worker. Arushi Jain shared a powerful personal story about how distancing herself from mobile phones during her academic years helped her excel. “I used to lock away my phone in a cupboard while studying. That single decision changed my life,” she said.
Akash Bagdi and Nirmal Pandit echoed the call for a collective effort to eliminate addiction from families and society at large. “When one person in a family suffers from addiction, the whole family bears the consequences,” Bagdi stated.
Children Take Pledge Against Addiction
The highlight of the program was when Krishna Vaishnav, the Centre In-charge of New Vision Seva Sansthan, led students in taking a solemn pledge to stay away from all forms of addiction, including mobile overuse. Harshit Chouradia, President of the Sansthan, spoke about the organization’s years of work in helping hundreds recover from substance abuse.
Principal Kushal Rawal of Abhinav School expressed gratitude and underlined the importance of such initiatives. “If children learn about the dangers of addiction at this age, we can prevent thousands from falling into its trap in the future,” he said.
The event concluded with awards distributed to the winners of the painting and slogan competitions. Staff from both the organizing institution and the host school—including Yash Joshi and Ajay Giri Goswami—contributed selflessly to the success of the program.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.