Around 10,000 students and people from different walks of life are expected to participate in the walkathon and bike rally organsied as part of the awareness campaign for ‘Drug Free India’ under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) in Hubballi on Sunday (August 9).
Colleges affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) from the Hubballi-Dharwad region have organised the awareness programme in association with RGUHS, Dishabodh Foundation and Narcotics Control Bureau.
Addressing presspersons in Hubballi, event coordinators Srinivas Bannigol, Kranthi Kiran, Siddanagouda Patil and Mailareshwar Jeevannavar said the event would witness participation from students and teachers of 42 institutions of health sciences in the region.
Dr. Bannigol said that the campaign would be flagged off at the open ground of KLE Society’s Nursing College on BVB Campus in Hubballi at 7.30 a.m. on Sunday (August 9). Union Minister for Education, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi will inaugurate the campaign. Former Legislative Council chairman Basavaraj Horatti will attend. RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Bhagavan B.C. will deliver the keynote address and administer the pledge to the participants.
Dr. Bannigol said that after dignitaries flag off the walkathon, the participants would march to Tolanakere, highlighting the adverse impact of drug abuse, particularly on the younger generation. A host of dignitaries and elected representatives would participate, he said.
Dr. Kiran said that during the event, the need for organ donation would also be highlighted and participants would be encouraged to be part of the organ donation initiative.
Dr. Patil said that Gurumahantha Swami of Chittaragi Sri Vijayasamsthana Mutt, Ilakal, who was involved in the movement against drug abuse and other bad habits, would also be present, along with Basavalinga Swami of Rudrakshi Mutt, Hubballi.
Dr. Jeevannavar, syndicate member of RGUHS, said that after the conclusion of the walkathon at Tolanakere, the teachers, staff and doctors would take out a motorcycle rally to Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (DIMHANS) in Dharwad, where another awareness programme would be held.
Professor Sanjay Peerapur said that they planned to take up the initiative of conducting counselling sessions for the students and parents in the coming days. Other coordinators Prashanth A.S., Satish Irakal, Vijayanand Pujari, Viresh Hanchinal and Rachael were present.
Published - August 07, 2026 07:46 pm IST