State-level programme of Addiction-Free Day celebrated - The HinduPublished - August 01, 2026 08:31 pm IST - YadgirDignitaries watering a plant during the State-level programme of Addiction-Free Day that was celebrated in Yadgir district on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTA State-level programme of Addiction-Free Day was celebrated on Agriculture College Campus in Bheemarayanagudi in Shahapur taluk of Yadgir district on Saturday to mark the birth anniversary of Mahanta Shivayogi of Vijay Mahanteshwar Samsthan.Peethadhipathi of Vishwa Vakkaliga Mahasamsthan, Bengaluru, Swami, who inaugurated the programme, said that the complete prohibition and strict implementation of laws can prevent addiction to alcohol and other intoxicated substances.Expressing a serious concern about youths getting addicted to drugs and other substances, Nishchalanand said that even villages are affected by the illegal sale of drugs and ganja.“Around 39% of the total population in India are youths, and the majority of them may have a habit of consuming drugs and have also been addicted. To free such youths from addictions, the board and members of the general public must join hands together and work effectively on it,” he said.MLA Sharanabasappa Darshanapur opined that the proper awareness would help to prevent such addictions among affected people, importantly youths.Mr. Darshanapur urged the Union and State governments to bring strict laws to punish lawbreakers.Chairman of the Karnataka State Temperance Board Sharanappa Saladpur spoke about the programmes the board has implemented so far to make the society addiction-free.He said that the board felicitated Hutti village in Koppal district with the “Samyama” award for complete prohibition and becoming free from all addictions. Seers and others were present.Published - August 01, 2026 08:31 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }