by Afrin Khan for BIS Mumbai

 In an earnest bid to raise awareness about the perils of addiction, Don Bosco High School and Junior College, Lonavla, hosted an impactful session titled "Say No to Addiction” on 16 and 17 July 2025. The event was held in the Fr Cajetan Lobo A.V. Hall, where three one-hour sessions were conducted separately for the students of Classes IX, X, and XII, along with their teachers.

The resource person for the event was Fr Xavier Devadas SDB, a respected counsellor and Director of Maria Ashiana Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Centre, Lonavla. Addressing the growing concern of addiction among youth, Fr Devadas delved into various forms of addiction — from substance abuse to digital dependence and other harmful behaviours — illustrating their psychological, physical, and social repercussions.

Drawing on his rich experience and empathy, Fr Devadas used real-life stories and interactive narration to captivate the students and lead them to reflect deeply on the dangers of addiction and its long-term consequences. The session urged students to embrace self-discipline, seek healthy coping mechanisms, and foster strong family and peer relationships. He encouraged active participation in sports, hobbies, and volunteering, and reassured the young audience that seeking help is a sign of strength, not shame.

A powerful moment came when two boys from Maria Ashiana, currently undergoing rehabilitation, were invited to speak. With remarkable honesty, they shared their journeys into addiction — how it began, how it disrupted their lives, and how, through struggle and support, they began the path to healing. Their emotional testimonies served as a stark wake-up call and moved many in the hall.

Towards the close of the session, Fr Devadas invited students to write down any questions they had about addiction, peer pressure, or emotional struggles. This simple yet thoughtful gesture allowed students to express concerns they might not have voiced aloud. The questions were collected for follow-up discussion and support.

The session left a deep and lasting impression, standing as a significant step towards awareness, reflection, and responsible decision-making among the students of Don Bosco Lonavla.