A talk on drug awareness and abuse was held on 25th September at 3 pm. The Resource person was Dr Shreekumar Menon, Head of Centre for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances.

Dr G. Shreekumar Menon, is presently the Head of the Centre for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances at Department of Forensic Medicine KMC Manipal.

He has served as Registrar of Yenepoya University and was an officer in the Indian Revenue Service for 37 years in the Counter Narcotics Division. During his service in the IRS, he has trained officers of the Indian Customs and Narcotics Bureau as well as delivered guest lectures at NDA Khadakvasla and New Delhi, and other military schools. He has also delivered lectures for officers of Russia, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh and African States, and has led customs delegations to various countries.

A bachelor's in arts from St Albert College Cochin, MA from Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupati, and PhD from Mangalore University, Dr Menon is also a Fellow of James Martin Centre for Non-Proliferation Studies, San Francisco USA, and Fellow of CITS, University of Georgia.

Dr Menon has also authored numerous papers and articles on various topics of public interest.

The program began with prayer by Megha of II MBA. Ranjitha of II MBA introduced the chief guest and welcomed the audience.

Dr. Menon began the session by explaining the origin and history of drug production and use. He stated India was the origin of production of Opium and the cause of the Opium Wars.

Between England and China. He also explained that drugs are the reasons for many wars fought around the world in the past and even today.

Dr Menon went on to explain the meaning of Narcotics and Psychotropic substances. He stated that narcotics are plant-based drugs whereas Psychotropic drugs are chemical and synthetic substances which alter the chemical makeup of the brain. These drugs may be hallucinogens, depressants and stimulants. He listed the various drugs that are available in the market, their street names and their effects. He warned the students of the consequences of the consumption of such drugs, especially for young women. He specifically explained the nature of date rape drugs. He also stated that at present stimulants are being increasingly used by students to prepare for competitive exams, IT professionals to meet deadlines and other professionals.