Puri (Odisha), June 26: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with a striking sand sculpture on the shores of Puri beach, Odisha. His artwork carried a powerful message: “Say NO to addiction, YES to life.”
Through his evocative creation, Pattnaik aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug abuse, using art as a medium to promote a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle.
“We artists try to spread awareness through our work. I have depicted how drugs and injections affect the human body. Through art, we can encourage people to stay away from addiction and save lives,” Pattnaik told ANI.
He also highlighted the Odisha government’s ongoing awareness campaign titled “Nisha Nuhin Jeevan” (Life Without Addiction), which aims to educate the public about the dangers of substance abuse.
Across the country, leaders joined in to observe the international day. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that drug addiction not only harms individuals but also disrupts families, society, and the state’s progress.
“We are committed to making Uttarakhand drug-free. Public participation is essential for the success of this mission,” said CM Dhami. He urged citizens to raise awareness and actively fight against drug misuse.
June 26, observed annually as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is a United Nations-recognized day that aims to combat global drug problems. The date commemorates Chinese statesman Lin Zexu’s historic efforts to dismantle the opium trade in 1839, shortly before the First Opium War.
Each year, a specific theme guides global awareness campaigns. The 2025 theme is: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”