🎨 "Say No to Drugs": Srinivas University Students Use Face Painting to Raise Awareness 🚫

On 16th July 2025, the Institute of Aviation Studies at Srinivas University, Mangalore, transformed its campus into a canvas of color and consciousness by organizing a Face Painting Competition with a powerful message: “Say No to Drugs and Its Evil Practices.” 🖌️🚭

This impactful event was part of a larger anti-drug awareness campaign initiated by the university’s Anti-Drug Committee, following a commendable suggestion from the Mangaluru City Police to spread awareness and prevent drug abuse among today’s youth.

🎯 Art for Awareness: A Youth-Led Movement

The competition brought together 47 enthusiastic student teams, showcasing not just creativity but also social responsibility:

44 teams represented the BBA Aviation Management and BBA Aviation & Logistics Management programs
3 teams came from the MBA Aviation Management program

Armed with paintbrushes and strong messages, the students turned their peers’ faces into bold statements against drug abuse. The event also featured students holding anti-drug placards at the university entrance, grabbing attention and maximizing visibility.

🏆 Winners Who Made a Mark

In the Undergraduate Category:

🥇 First Place – Ms. Gloriya Gabriel Noronha & Ms. Martha Martin Fernandes (II Year BBA Aviation Management)

🥈 Second Place – Ms. Deeksha Puthran & Ms. Pragathi Prakash Acharya (I Year BBA Aviation Management)

In the Postgraduate Category:

🥇 First Place – Mr. Sharon John D’silva & Ms. Nejha P. H. (I Year MBA Aviation Management)

Their artworks blended visual storytelling with social impact, sending a strong message that the youth of Mangalore stand united against substance abuse.

💡 A Message That Matters

The event was successfully conducted with the constant support of

👩‍🏫 Dr. Pavithra Kumari, Dean

👩‍🏫 Ms. Anjana T. V, Head of the Department

👩‍🏫 Faculty members of the Institute of Aviation Studies

This initiative wasn’t just about winning prizes; it was about sparking conversations, changing perceptions, and empowering students to be agents of change.

🗣️ “Youth-led initiatives like these help fight drug abuse through awareness, creativity, and unity,” one faculty member remarked.

🌍 Why Events Like These Matter

In a time where peer pressure and misinformation can lead youth astray, creative awareness campaigns like face painting act as powerful educational tools. They combine art, advocacy, and action, making the message more relatable and memorable.