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Key Points

Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik marked International Day Against Drug Abuse with a striking sculpture on Puri beach. His work, paired with Odisha’s "Nisha Nuhin Jeevan" campaign, emphasizes rejecting addiction. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami also reinforced the state’s commitment to eradicating drugs. The UN-designated day, observed since 1989, aims to combat drug abuse globally.

Key Points: Sudarsan Pattnaik Creates Sand Art for Anti-Drug Day in Puri

  • Pattnaik's sculpture highlights drug abuse dangers
  • Odisha's "Nisha Nuhin Jeevan" campaign promotes addiction-free life
  • Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami pledges drug-free state
  • UN marks June 26 as Anti-Drug Day since 1989
2 min read

Sand artist creates sculpture to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Padma Shri artist Sudarsan Pattnaik crafts a powerful sand sculpture on Puri beach to raise awareness against drug abuse on International Anti-Drug Day.

"We artists try to spread awareness among people through our art by creating sand sculptures. – Sudarsan Pattnaik"

Puri, June 26

Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik on Thursday created a powerful sand sculpture on Puri beach in Odisha to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Below the sculpture, "Say NO to addiction, YES to life" was written. Through his art, Pattnaik aimed to highlight the devastating effects of drugs on individuals.

Pattnaik's informed that the state is running a campaign called "Nisha Nuhin Jeevan" (Life Without Addiction), which aims to educate people about the risks associated with substance abuse.

Speaking to ANI, Pattnaik said, "We artists try to spread awareness among people through our art by creating sand sculptures. Apart from this, our state is running a 'Nisha Nuhin Jeevan' campaign. As an artist, I showed through my art how drugs and injections affect our bodies, and we can avoid it by not taking drugs and saving lives..."

As the world celebrates the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, also reminded the harms of drug consumption and said that drug addiction not only affects the mental and physical condition of a person, but also hinders the progress of the families, society and the state.

The Chief Minister shared his commitment to making Uttarakhand drug-free and further added that efforts are being made to make Uttarakhand drug-free, and to ensure success, the participation of all is very important. On the occasion of International Anti-Drug Day, he urged all to spread awareness in society about the harmful effects of drug addiction.

June 26, observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a United Nations International Day. This day aims to spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of drug use and to fight against drug abuse and the illegal drug trade. This day has been observed since 1989. June 26 was chosen to commemorate Lin Zexu's (Chinese political philosopher and politician) dismantling of the opium trade in Humen, Guangdong, ending on June 25, 1839, just before the First Opium War in China.

Every year, a theme is chosen, and this year's theme is "The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Sudarsan Pattnaik's sand art is truly inspiring! 🙏 It's high time we address the drug menace in our country. Many youth in small towns are falling prey to addiction. The "Nisha Nuhin Jeevan" campaign is a much-needed initiative by Odisha govt.
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Priya M.
Beautiful message through art! But I wish more celebrities would use their influence to speak against drugs. Our film industry sometimes glorifies substance use which sends wrong signals to youth. #SayNoToDrugs
A
Amit S.
Interesting to know this day connects to China's history with opium. In India too, we need stronger enforcement at borders to stop drug trafficking from neighboring countries. Art is good for awareness but we need concrete action!
S
Sunita R.
As a teacher, I see how peer pressure leads to drug abuse in schools. We need more such creative awareness programs that speak to young minds. Maybe Pattnaik can create similar sculptures in schools across India?
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Vikram J.
While awareness is important, we must also improve rehabilitation facilities. Many addicts want to quit but don't have access to proper help. Govt should invest more in de-addiction centers rather than just campaigns.
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Neha P.
The sand sculpture is temporary but the message should be permanent in our minds! 😊 We need to teach children from young age about the dangers of drugs, just like we teach them about good habits.

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